tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704207811164492322024-03-05T04:12:50.484-05:00Confessions of An Antique HomeA newlywed, first time home buyer couple purchases a circa 1760 colonial in New England. This blog follows their adventures during their home ownership.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-31169238118758538002017-03-27T13:08:00.000-04:002017-07-28T12:52:32.086-04:00Chicken Coop... The Build, Foundation<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've never done this before. I can sit and plan for years and tinker with the concept forever and never actually build the structure. With the looming deadline from the wife (not to mention egg delivery, incubation and the eventual hatching of chickens...in our living room), and the hole in the back yard, it's now time to make this work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I ventured over to my nearest big box store to start pricing things out. I knew that I needed to get concrete for the foundation and wood to form it. Concrete can be purchased in a multiple of ways: by the bag, by the truck, and individually by component. Concrete is comprised of four basic components. They being cement (glue), large aggregate (stones), small aggregate (sand) and water (catalyst). Mixed together in different ratios and sometimes with admixtures (extra ingredients for slowing the chemical reactions) yield different strengths. For a chicken coop, that's more than enough information without sidetracking to the engineering side of things. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Purchasing by the bag, at the time of construction, was the most economical. The other methods were either too costly (by the truck) or overly cumbersome (by the component) for my needs. However, if one were to price compare, realize that by the truck method has two options. Either, buying a minimum of 3 cubic yards from a drum mixing truck (typical concrete truck) and throwing away whatever wasn't used; or, hiring an onsite truck mixer which humorously sounds like a Willy Wonka machine. The onsite mixer can deliver any quantity to your project, but the dis-advantage is the higher cost and a limit in cubic yard production, which honestly wouldn't be reached for a chicken coop. Buying each component individually, combining them in the right proportions each time was just too cumbersome for a placement as large (small?) as my project. Purchasing by the bag with all the ingredients mixed together already in the right ratio in bags that all weighed the same worked out just perfectly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was lucky enough to stumble upon a long-term sale at Home Depot for 80 pound bags of Quickcrete. Quickcrete is a premixed bag of all the necessary components (minus water). The sale had the bags at $2.88 each! Normal pricing in my area is around $4 to $5 for each bag. My Jeep can handle only so much weight so I could only purchase 10 to 11 bags at a time. I computed the quantity of concrete needed, which at 0.60 cubic feet per bag required in excess of 50 bags. Over the next few months, I purchased 60 bags making roughly 6 trips. We returned the bags that we didn't use (probably should have kept them due to the affordability... oh well).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next, I needed to form out the foundation for the concrete to be placed within. I purchased about 10 sheets of OSD board and cut them to shape. The below photo as the perimeter of the formwork installed. I placed a width template made from a 2x3 with two OSD sourced scrap to make a hook. The template kept the outer walls at a fixed distance while erecting. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Side note, the Honda Odyssey's cabin is coincidently the perfect size to lay a full size 4'x8' sheet of plywood flat. Just incase your looking to purchase a family vehicle and your wife doesn't consider a pickup truck as a "family" vehicle... </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA798pjih6MKW_9fiWss1r9OmA9wc3oyMG8KRSnM00zZbj8cj3O5Mff7g8S6cNp5cSlRwEu4MhBgsSm4O6DexVGycxuVB0I50uaygYdwaE5bDUZIBOWXsjHfAqG1f_sl0tZ8J6xD4s0U/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA798pjih6MKW_9fiWss1r9OmA9wc3oyMG8KRSnM00zZbj8cj3O5Mff7g8S6cNp5cSlRwEu4MhBgsSm4O6DexVGycxuVB0I50uaygYdwaE5bDUZIBOWXsjHfAqG1f_sl0tZ8J6xD4s0U/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a>Due to the slope in my backyard, I also purchased six 8"x48" sono tubes (seen above). Sono tubes are typically used as a cylindrical footing for decks or perhaps even small barns. Dig a hole slightly larger than the sono tube with a post-hole digger to the depth required (for me, roughly 4' to 1.5' depending on location), insert the sono tube, place a couple inches of stone for drainage at the bottom, then concrete. For my application, I wanted some additional support due to the slope of the yard. Overkill, perhaps, better safe than sorry, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUre_6zE7f5AX3PIb6GLOmBnf1gAWpvdGGPDwkfHmcnwDF5A_Fs-EW-bxZ7ZWCH_wUaOMXld1d7CQx7DClHLxd2uW2qwYxfxqNqimjRDgUoGC0FkcK_FjOmuNNFHBLFRRcjp3ZecjX_54/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUre_6zE7f5AX3PIb6GLOmBnf1gAWpvdGGPDwkfHmcnwDF5A_Fs-EW-bxZ7ZWCH_wUaOMXld1d7CQx7DClHLxd2uW2qwYxfxqNqimjRDgUoGC0FkcK_FjOmuNNFHBLFRRcjp3ZecjX_54/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUre_6zE7f5AX3PIb6GLOmBnf1gAWpvdGGPDwkfHmcnwDF5A_Fs-EW-bxZ7ZWCH_wUaOMXld1d7CQx7DClHLxd2uW2qwYxfxqNqimjRDgUoGC0FkcK_FjOmuNNFHBLFRRcjp3ZecjX_54/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUre_6zE7f5AX3PIb6GLOmBnf1gAWpvdGGPDwkfHmcnwDF5A_Fs-EW-bxZ7ZWCH_wUaOMXld1d7CQx7DClHLxd2uW2qwYxfxqNqimjRDgUoGC0FkcK_FjOmuNNFHBLFRRcjp3ZecjX_54/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the sono tubes and formwork in place, I put stone along the bottom of the form and compacted with a heavy rod. I placed braces (they look like an upside down "L") around both perimeters. The bracing was measured for the height of the form plus an extra foot to pound into the ground. It was made up of 2"x3" lumber purchased with the OSD boards. In hindsight, I should've made the bracing much stronger; concrete is heavy and the form will want to move as it is filled. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2mjDzSOiUJ9NXLkgTzgZ4njq8haYe9ocLWNDdSGJ3TXuSqQI9VKcqoLywD8MQRywF2kNJ-ytPkI1sBPJ1H7ksF-Nr2wbXyMZ8I3aqZhvGfY_SaCgL73Y82SNEPdS73IEyhsjkZp42I0/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252825%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2mjDzSOiUJ9NXLkgTzgZ4njq8haYe9ocLWNDdSGJ3TXuSqQI9VKcqoLywD8MQRywF2kNJ-ytPkI1sBPJ1H7ksF-Nr2wbXyMZ8I3aqZhvGfY_SaCgL73Y82SNEPdS73IEyhsjkZp42I0/s320/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252825%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As cost effective as it was to purchase the bags of concrete (seen under the blue tarp), renting a concrete mixer from them was a nightmare. The tool department does not make reservations so first come first serve. On a Saturday morning, these mixers apparently go rather quickly. I arrived and was unable to rent the large sized mixer, instead, I was given a smaller one. I didn't fret to much about it, I figured its better than mixing by hand. Freshly mixed concrete has a limited time; it starts to cure as soon as it is mixed. Within a couple hours, it sets up and becomes very hard to work with. Having a mixer saves on the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After roughly 20 bags, the mixer died. Not wanting to loose time, I pulled out my wheel barrow and started mixing by hand. My wife called Home Depot's rental department and I had to relay the issue while I was mixing and pouring the next load. The gentleman (let's call him what he was, the manager) said that there are no other mixers on reserve. He drove out to my home and proceeded to diagnose the mixer as inoperable. I helped him load it back onto the Home Depot rental pickup truck that he drove to our home and he proceeded to leave. As he was leaving, he asked how long I used if for. Despite the hardship I was about to endure, the manager felt compelled to charge me a half day's rental, instead of a full day as initially rented.... gee, thanks Mr. Manager, how kind. I didn't finish my little pour until 12 hours after starting with the mixer. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPLCDIPI56SJFJngZp6eL5I2w4EpDRnTvsJbJFMy7uamG_m-gLhgh-3bwz_cT7qKTlPDkuPbNVdr4qgQUU2TLVM0TSjp7cxUndOUXdG-Lj9-CY_w1oTig0QgMcmJakioQFbLtB33Uzus/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPLCDIPI56SJFJngZp6eL5I2w4EpDRnTvsJbJFMy7uamG_m-gLhgh-3bwz_cT7qKTlPDkuPbNVdr4qgQUU2TLVM0TSjp7cxUndOUXdG-Lj9-CY_w1oTig0QgMcmJakioQFbLtB33Uzus/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29s6bxj81FX18YloDu5Pu-23lcMhiLmFC0Tsy6znGUQTw-Kjy2Gy6i-vDuDh8S1KuhmK8cW8Cz0PKtu3jRZz3BSvJOTuNkb1IlOPnFjTmxht59z2JmZIUj-NHPe1WdRInV4s9BFX6rec/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29s6bxj81FX18YloDu5Pu-23lcMhiLmFC0Tsy6znGUQTw-Kjy2Gy6i-vDuDh8S1KuhmK8cW8Cz0PKtu3jRZz3BSvJOTuNkb1IlOPnFjTmxht59z2JmZIUj-NHPe1WdRInV4s9BFX6rec/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u1NCKIm4oeGRlSZLA093jbJCqTiP55zfrNL4EeqAjwH7IH7-5MGhyphenhyphenpFflcU-g3jg95THP2dhUyifFqZ8D8Hp9M1H0HNo92iE863KWYiQdZVLDPMIIhyphenhyphenzxWb8W5DGsHwUb2LahsZxasY/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1u1NCKIm4oeGRlSZLA093jbJCqTiP55zfrNL4EeqAjwH7IH7-5MGhyphenhyphenpFflcU-g3jg95THP2dhUyifFqZ8D8Hp9M1H0HNo92iE863KWYiQdZVLDPMIIhyphenhyphenzxWb8W5DGsHwUb2LahsZxasY/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25288%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iSNRyfHuh3AhepY5DxsSWGcETU7eNzHRrb0xEKHx3B5BFA0rtfkALuQ-PaWukRyPA3-OIlLt1weDonxybsLTb_LDd4m9YWXaQ9_KcHdLYRoX8rcAC8MBDX8Bd2ajsEXEWyYngKSVyhA/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iSNRyfHuh3AhepY5DxsSWGcETU7eNzHRrb0xEKHx3B5BFA0rtfkALuQ-PaWukRyPA3-OIlLt1weDonxybsLTb_LDd4m9YWXaQ9_KcHdLYRoX8rcAC8MBDX8Bd2ajsEXEWyYngKSVyhA/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25289%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn_OelJmPb7b4jpsQUYpXntx_JnfxQP2hYbe0ibHnx5EfOn4Ln_8M69hTr_BFyiNgz_E8p64gM32rTZ4irWcW0TTsasFnlGVaRnjpudQGDJSO7rKaVW5Q7XKoVFFspdscaCTRQJdMlPI/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn_OelJmPb7b4jpsQUYpXntx_JnfxQP2hYbe0ibHnx5EfOn4Ln_8M69hTr_BFyiNgz_E8p64gM32rTZ4irWcW0TTsasFnlGVaRnjpudQGDJSO7rKaVW5Q7XKoVFFspdscaCTRQJdMlPI/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252814%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ohepAMy0PM6nBdNLhnjgocZ5JXC-uh9TkSuIt_RKDhK52U026FQMf0vPIRJlc4a56JHpvy82ZK218x5gKAk-dVcdR5gwbkeGPIi1p3wVADouueR08QV014lUd9XD4jbovH7OXXK6sJ0/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ohepAMy0PM6nBdNLhnjgocZ5JXC-uh9TkSuIt_RKDhK52U026FQMf0vPIRJlc4a56JHpvy82ZK218x5gKAk-dVcdR5gwbkeGPIi1p3wVADouueR08QV014lUd9XD4jbovH7OXXK6sJ0/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By night fall, I was done. Along he way, I inserted 12 anchor bolts, troweled the exposed top level and smoothed over everything for a clean finish. I washed up my tools, placed the wheel barrow and horses as support for the tarp, covered the concrete, showered and passed out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next morning...it rained.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2VvGVIBTMWYInYBHMOZyB_8-ICyGTBqmGTV2eG_XcDiuM2nw2FD7sPTkh2twRBt4pmDinawi1OvWLs5Z_b1_UKpQQX-_5P9iQSPrA_UmFOEnOjmD-MX1NTv9eWYcZkBtK373r2-RoOI/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2VvGVIBTMWYInYBHMOZyB_8-ICyGTBqmGTV2eG_XcDiuM2nw2FD7sPTkh2twRBt4pmDinawi1OvWLs5Z_b1_UKpQQX-_5P9iQSPrA_UmFOEnOjmD-MX1NTv9eWYcZkBtK373r2-RoOI/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2VvGVIBTMWYInYBHMOZyB_8-ICyGTBqmGTV2eG_XcDiuM2nw2FD7sPTkh2twRBt4pmDinawi1OvWLs5Z_b1_UKpQQX-_5P9iQSPrA_UmFOEnOjmD-MX1NTv9eWYcZkBtK373r2-RoOI/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The following week was very humid and muggy... PERFECT weather for the concrete to slowly cure to full strength. Typically, you can wait 24 hours to remove the formwork, however, with the amount of moisture in the air, the concrete was too "green". The form needed to stay in place until the concrete reached that pale gray color. Besides, I had plenty of time before the flock moved in, so I waited until the following weekend to strip the forms.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are shots of the form in place just before being stripped. In the following photo, you can see that the form did move slightly out of square due to the inadequate bracing used. This would eventually lead to a slightly out of square coop.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI7CYpcbYGye7MT8wOCSWPrNE-avgUSCZRJqQSDsnFNizB4reO1oHQMjsA6bRPCBeubvkk_NnBvEfQWSIUwo4n5pfI-L3Bomy-Gxf5A9LkeCKOAFViXhXxwydLB3-bN6KCnjZ3sscGB0/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtI7CYpcbYGye7MT8wOCSWPrNE-avgUSCZRJqQSDsnFNizB4reO1oHQMjsA6bRPCBeubvkk_NnBvEfQWSIUwo4n5pfI-L3Bomy-Gxf5A9LkeCKOAFViXhXxwydLB3-bN6KCnjZ3sscGB0/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252817%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s72jqia1fgJp5krOnlPhqVEkrDgclJjUoxqbK4HOUzK1s65zSyX5jk7dNQ_2PmEja7-_mQtN-YV1iEe5SWGNNDLmJa5wqC-4eWCsnE3bgUBAm2QsBaAgS8ipDOiVKbMiIYKfwEf09IU/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252823%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s72jqia1fgJp5krOnlPhqVEkrDgclJjUoxqbK4HOUzK1s65zSyX5jk7dNQ_2PmEja7-_mQtN-YV1iEe5SWGNNDLmJa5wqC-4eWCsnE3bgUBAm2QsBaAgS8ipDOiVKbMiIYKfwEf09IU/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252823%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4yQqqh3BJ1uInTiyvHxlOcIzKyqTGsb3uaMClI3yDAjP2qyMpxgdQG8qQpr6kifkPy13OcIkCa1elM_vfy8RR66gpgFbx30c6wNnRlWfm-nQhzt3SJThOxOO4a_Vh1pcqgIFwwUfXGk/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252824%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4yQqqh3BJ1uInTiyvHxlOcIzKyqTGsb3uaMClI3yDAjP2qyMpxgdQG8qQpr6kifkPy13OcIkCa1elM_vfy8RR66gpgFbx30c6wNnRlWfm-nQhzt3SJThOxOO4a_Vh1pcqgIFwwUfXGk/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252824%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdv2vEtMMJf-jjb5C8b9GSvtpGcct3fcMEFgOrij0wFAgiiqiug9RWK8lyvXnVKlV8Mv7bUUoKt4G3i9cDtP0Dbi0Cg5SIHgBr7Tb7FFmpUUU7xbwOr8pKG5mYfuV4ZNPSKfc_X7-iW0/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdv2vEtMMJf-jjb5C8b9GSvtpGcct3fcMEFgOrij0wFAgiiqiug9RWK8lyvXnVKlV8Mv7bUUoKt4G3i9cDtP0Dbi0Cg5SIHgBr7Tb7FFmpUUU7xbwOr8pKG5mYfuV4ZNPSKfc_X7-iW0/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252819%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwnIqycfRjSYTLfmYk_c-Bay0_ckInqIw18CdBJODW592l6j_3aLjD54VPWU43ibf4BgDAhxMznbfFeoSALPEeZNcmjFoeBQu_mU696KmPH9B6IltvtPAHK9W-fa_fIARHbLGDm5meL8/s1600/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252818%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwnIqycfRjSYTLfmYk_c-Bay0_ckInqIw18CdBJODW592l6j_3aLjD54VPWU43ibf4BgDAhxMznbfFeoSALPEeZNcmjFoeBQu_mU696KmPH9B6IltvtPAHK9W-fa_fIARHbLGDm5meL8/s640/Foundation+Build+Chicken+Coop+%252818%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-214336857672625392017-03-21T14:55:00.000-04:002017-03-22T08:32:45.531-04:00Chicken Coop... The Design/Breaking Ground<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYScdL4gpKzs0yBM0-E2swK-x7j11JjCM_VZB5-BTNnYqHXYXzOTZSDyuwrqIxIR12MpsDstGqQ0cTG5P-x1ZHu68xaBpeaZq0AYQ-ZW8Vadecr_d8f5IdLwNKy8KiYgtdFVAhea-lsM0/s1600/20160228_165708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYScdL4gpKzs0yBM0-E2swK-x7j11JjCM_VZB5-BTNnYqHXYXzOTZSDyuwrqIxIR12MpsDstGqQ0cTG5P-x1ZHu68xaBpeaZq0AYQ-ZW8Vadecr_d8f5IdLwNKy8KiYgtdFVAhea-lsM0/s400/20160228_165708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So it's been a few weeks now and progress has been slow. Being a "weekend warrior" means that I only have 24 hours at most over a weekend to work on the coop design and construction. As the weather improved slightly, the ground thawed just enough to start digging out a foundation on February 28, 2016. My plans are not yet complete, but I knew that I needed to dig down for stability and security.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
My property is on a slope, roughly 13<sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">o</span></sup>. This means digging deeper on one end of the structure's base to level the foundation. Since everything is dependent on a sound foundation, time is being spent to ensure a proper footing is in place. Once dug out, the area will be leveled and formwork will be added in preparation for concrete. I know what you're thinking: "Concrete? Really? Isn't that overkill?" My response is only that I have to make sure that the coop will be stable in strong winds and be able to keep out critters that will kill the flock. Those critters include ones that burrow under fences. A concrete base will help mitigate that potential.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So far, I've managed to dig down roughly two feet at the east end and one foot at the west of the coop base. In doing so, I've come across two layers of "trash", compressed over the decades/centuries. It's quite intriguing finding broken porcelain dishware, glass bottles of varying sizes, wrought iron components, an older version of a spark plug (I think) and yes, even a coin (1911 wheat back penny)! We're considering getting a metal detector to find more "treasure" (as my son had called it). We've also found discarded architectural details from our home: a stone fireplace lintel, similarly as found in our parlor (seen <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/p/the-parlor.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Another find was what I can only assume to be the daily meal of my home's former occupants. Oysters and clam shells were found in extreme quantity throughout the trash layer with random bovine bone fragments. My father, forever the pessimist, has kept fretting over my property being condemned for finding human remains... hasn't happened yet.<br />
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1O7JFjDH8fZ48Msj6fyHPMTUcE0OTAEmN4o-ztBavTccRATUyy-UcQTXre72LKGwNdsz5xBEnG7o020a_oqZXQ4c9jxvkYGAqzDr4Zkp41Jz3F9ywT9WZXyEdHDRB3TnSJXK-4r6cSY/s1600/Architectural+detail+fireplace+lintel+historic+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1O7JFjDH8fZ48Msj6fyHPMTUcE0OTAEmN4o-ztBavTccRATUyy-UcQTXre72LKGwNdsz5xBEnG7o020a_oqZXQ4c9jxvkYGAqzDr4Zkp41Jz3F9ywT9WZXyEdHDRB3TnSJXK-4r6cSY/s640/Architectural+detail+fireplace+lintel+historic+house.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2xDoXiHFKeijIkT2V1TMSB8U4lnUiuCgPTj3_xYb2U4zpOYjdeAbPDCoPJrgwE4lGMggUe0QuxfAnoHm0hkGKvDabgp4NcUELBdgUa7iB2__eUkQ3HWJ87qQxp9a1WicZBne5A3Hqf8/s1600/20160228_165727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2xDoXiHFKeijIkT2V1TMSB8U4lnUiuCgPTj3_xYb2U4zpOYjdeAbPDCoPJrgwE4lGMggUe0QuxfAnoHm0hkGKvDabgp4NcUELBdgUa7iB2__eUkQ3HWJ87qQxp9a1WicZBne5A3Hqf8/s640/20160228_165727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The coop/run design will have a footprint of roughly 12 feet by 6 feet and orientated west to east. At the east end, an elevated coop "living" area will be built. It will be 6 feet wide, 4 feet long and will be 2 feet above the ground. The height of the coop will vary from roughly 4 feet to 5 feet. The idea for it being elevated is to give the chickens a shaded area under the coop while in the run as well as making it harder for predators to gain entry into the more secure coop at night. The roof of the coop portion is still being considered. I'm weighing the pros and cons of using asphalt versus cedar shingles. The extra expense of cedar is just too hard to ignore, but cosmetically, more appealing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The run potion of the design will be open on all sides not taken up by the coop to take advantage of as much fresh air as possible. The roof will be either a clear corrugated panel system allowing sunlight to enter yet stopping rain and snow, a solid metal panel for strength or a plywood/shingled roof.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Conceptual views using Google's Sketchup CAD software (free download <a href="https://www.sketchup.com/download" target="_blank">here</a>):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o8oixXvIrJ-mbsQMOj490HMqJJou8X9Zuz93lUm_vD7dZLR1vsNvIQdEVZ0kcZGwe4rod4dVs8rE6VgQTgadDIKOyzFC2Ol6SblH122MAAD21RDBxKAWOMKkQM72LmsOpPq6UbgX0No/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0o8oixXvIrJ-mbsQMOj490HMqJJou8X9Zuz93lUm_vD7dZLR1vsNvIQdEVZ0kcZGwe4rod4dVs8rE6VgQTgadDIKOyzFC2Ol6SblH122MAAD21RDBxKAWOMKkQM72LmsOpPq6UbgX0No/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUGWSG9EWPmTZoOEVlxlyAgLo9L529qk8MRnfzwCA57c8uaCE2HpDvbwhYHAbjrMYbb3d8m-Y6Q4jjoDJJGneX7PpL_3ISOEuGXD-IXMtUM7b8Y9X_a5MNucn82JV97_95knCtDC0vdQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUGWSG9EWPmTZoOEVlxlyAgLo9L529qk8MRnfzwCA57c8uaCE2HpDvbwhYHAbjrMYbb3d8m-Y6Q4jjoDJJGneX7PpL_3ISOEuGXD-IXMtUM7b8Y9X_a5MNucn82JV97_95knCtDC0vdQ/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5LQfgUz6k4EJhtbzn5fLUAlH9ZhtLEkBfDbHS-yxlnv7NNX_E6P_BFhvgR1gA_CQK17zDS43ud7MndfwxwUasoGkWABci6j5HsgaKrzS8mPoFA1GdiVPnqeWZuhCQQczS_CjltKc2pI/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5LQfgUz6k4EJhtbzn5fLUAlH9ZhtLEkBfDbHS-yxlnv7NNX_E6P_BFhvgR1gA_CQK17zDS43ud7MndfwxwUasoGkWABci6j5HsgaKrzS8mPoFA1GdiVPnqeWZuhCQQczS_CjltKc2pI/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6m2vG2xnNxyIVwM9uqCgdp9khHSZBI960kE0b95eCoJQcrUhi3eD5y-x_EuMDbc4PyH_QUizB_XF6E4wOe_-CN0ZaRqFAMdWhg6039gfE-eBDyiyAnmV8VmL4qRjKTlZl4-JLjJIZXs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6m2vG2xnNxyIVwM9uqCgdp9khHSZBI960kE0b95eCoJQcrUhi3eD5y-x_EuMDbc4PyH_QUizB_XF6E4wOe_-CN0ZaRqFAMdWhg6039gfE-eBDyiyAnmV8VmL4qRjKTlZl4-JLjJIZXs/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLVF6P6WF0FL4Dcu_QgKpbUWheBsInQhnCgeE2YZ6eJGgK1I9zmlFltg6fA2f8fBBC1l899vyHEfI0TxZJPBRf7k2yJfcTKCZlNPL72Mt58dsrJsAAezs3epTqi_RV7ZpZOG6pNMmZLM/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLVF6P6WF0FL4Dcu_QgKpbUWheBsInQhnCgeE2YZ6eJGgK1I9zmlFltg6fA2f8fBBC1l899vyHEfI0TxZJPBRf7k2yJfcTKCZlNPL72Mt58dsrJsAAezs3epTqi_RV7ZpZOG6pNMmZLM/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A general list of materials being used will be ready-mix concrete bags for the foundation, embedded concrete anchors, Douglas-Fir 2x4s, pressure treated 2x6s, corrugated polycarbonate roof panels (maybe), CDX plywood sheeting, roofing nails, felt and shingles, exterior grade construction screws and washers, wood weather protectant stain, door hinges, vinyl flooring, masonry sand and pine shavings. There are also miscellaneous wood components and hardware needed for the hatch and ramp (to be made from scrap).<br />
<br />
Next up, the build.</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-20556501521410791152016-03-02T13:45:00.000-05:002016-03-02T13:45:01.612-05:00Chicken Coop... the Beginning<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been my wife's ambition over the last few years to have a chicken coop installed in our back yard. After the birth of our son, the idea had started to percolate. When she was diagnosed with Lupus, our priorities changed drastically. After her health stabilized, our second child was born. Things have been rolling along smoothly (well, as smoothly as possible with a 3 year old and baby), when one of my wife's co-workers brought in a carton of fertilized chicken eggs from their home. She called me VERY excited and asked, no, correction, she stated that we are getting chickens. There wasn't any point in arguing, her voice was unapologetically happy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZodZq9UO_lYWNqtdLPnZPAhK2yNKAfUkJ6tNRGLnzYYKLNl0SOEhojsjfgEb2NPW3GweR8t_UUUJr4zQW0nOCS_6pg1MlCHxRVA0IhplFMnEkpVut83lmJvtAmdKtnKMwvTSCMvmYSoU/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZodZq9UO_lYWNqtdLPnZPAhK2yNKAfUkJ6tNRGLnzYYKLNl0SOEhojsjfgEb2NPW3GweR8t_UUUJr4zQW0nOCS_6pg1MlCHxRVA0IhplFMnEkpVut83lmJvtAmdKtnKMwvTSCMvmYSoU/s200/chicken.jpg" width="200" /></a>So the research was restarted. Chicken habitats, housing, feed, water, predators and winter protection were revisited. I contacted our Town Hall's Building and Engineering Department to inquire about any issues. I'm glad I did. There is a permit required for having an accessory building, which a chicken coop classifies as (I suppose it's the same as a garden shed). Regarding a location for the coop, there are no regulations limiting owning chickens in our town, so long as the accessory structure is located behind the back plane of the house, at least 10 feet away from the property line and is less than 200 square feet in size; a permit consists of $50 with a one page application (name, address, description = Chicken Coop) and a plot plan was all that was required. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Town Planner was excited about the prospect of chickens, yet realizing that people like to complain; the following advice was given from her experience, not due to any current regulation requirements, but just as a courtesy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>1. Avoid getting roosters as they tended to be the main complaint that the inspectors get.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We don't want a wild cock chasing us around our own property and didn't see the need to have fertilized eggs on a regular basis, so that aspect wasn't an issue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>2. Place the coop in the center of the property, as far from neighbors as possible.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The location, however, is an issue. From our research, chickens need a certain amount of sun light for egg production. There's no sense in having chickens that don't produce eggs, so consideration for sunlight overshadows (haha) the neighbors' needs/wants.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>3. Hide the coop using landscaping (bushes, trees, etc).</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If there are funds left over, I don't mind beautifying our property.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We sat down and considered the sunny and shaded areas around our property as well as distance from our neighbors. We took to forums and have found that the three main concerns with the location (after installing the coop) were long walks during the winter, flooding and utilities (water and power). It would seem that most owners placed the coop as far as possible from the home and did not consider the need to maintain the flock year round. Access to the coop during the winter and heavy rain is important for feeding and collecting eggs. Also, an area in the property with a high water table can lead to flooding of the run and potentially health problems for the chickens. Power is highly recommended for providing minimal heat to keep water liquid for the chickens during the winter and running water would be for cleaning out the coop on a regular basis. Which, by the way, seems to be the cause for any smells from the coop. A periodic cleaning should keep the coop comparatively smell free, thus negating the need for the coop being as far as possible from the home. So, we chose a location that was in partial sunlight, near our rear door and has access to a powered receptacle for an extension chord as well as a water spigot for cleaning out the coop. The location is also not in a watery area and not at a bottom of a hill.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBLj7bSWom013nEyZk5qK38v0TBgJE4oKNJt3vXWgk4ZWpgSKeum_FkieMJSlf2ODXuaL7QcwtSTCqjgNMQ5-HhrB7OX9w2_zVao4H8hI4203PcNtnyBiaywWPL1OeGIdmxPJRNZ9Qbk/s1600/Blog+Plot++Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBLj7bSWom013nEyZk5qK38v0TBgJE4oKNJt3vXWgk4ZWpgSKeum_FkieMJSlf2ODXuaL7QcwtSTCqjgNMQ5-HhrB7OX9w2_zVao4H8hI4203PcNtnyBiaywWPL1OeGIdmxPJRNZ9Qbk/s640/Blog+Plot++Plan.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plot plan somewhat as submitted to Town Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The plot plan was approved February 17, 2016, by the Town Planner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the location settled, we looked into various other coop designs to find the one that best suited our needs. We do not have a fully fenced in back yard. As much as we would like the flock to roam freely, for their safety, we would have to keep them secured in the run. <br />
<br />
If you are new to this venture, the coop is where chickens sleep, roost and lay eggs. The run is a protective enclosure for the chickens to somewhat run around in outside of the coop. Chickens need to be protected from predators such as hawks, eagles, raccoons, foxes, etc. There are a number of installations that help in preventing predators from harming the birds. These range from using concrete blocks around the perimeter of the base, a poured concrete foundation, gravel and hardware cloth.<br />
<br />
The size of the run and coop both depend upon the number of chickens that you plan on keeping and the type of chicken species as well. I've also found that it is recommended to plan a little bigger on the coop/run just in case. As far as the size goes, the square footage varies from one source to another; where one source will indicate ten square feet per bird and another will say that four is a general rule. Whether or not the chickens free range is important as they'll need more or less room in the coop/run.<br />
<br />
Looking at <a href="http://backyardchickens.com/">BackYardChickens.com</a>, we had hoped to find detailed plans indicating "what and how much". Unfortunately, such plans are nearly impossible to find unless you're willing to settle for a lousy shack or pay for the several advertisements available. If we were so inclined, we could also purchase a kit and assemble it. As easy as that would be, I'm not too keen on paying $500+ for a kit with lower quality wood.<br />
<br />
Continuing our search for samples, we came across a couple that built an impressive coop/run combo. The couple manage a website called <a href="http://steamykitchen.com/">steamykitchen.com</a>. They called their coop design the Palace Chicken Coop and they detailed the construction of it here: <a href="http://steamykitchen.com/20640-the-palace-chicken-coop.html" target="_blank">The Palace Chicken Coop</a>. They have a link for a Google Sketchup plan (very useful) and plenty of photos showing how they built it. My wife and I do like the appearance and the size. However, the issues that have me somewhat concerned are Scott's justifiable disclaimer (being not an architect nor an engineer) and their location, Florida. Reading their posting and the numerous comments that followed, I was concerned that living in Florida would have a vastly different weather cycle than living in New England, where we are. Their foundation was also not very deep, practically at ground level, which would lead to frost heaving issues in the north. The lack of snow in Florida also has an impact on the structural supports were it to be in our area. This is not a negative to Jaden and Scott, the post creators, they live in an area that is completely different than our own and likewise, our coop would have to be modified to reflect that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Q3qfbJ9czyV4wK7ugbQ4vr5WE8RmfS6BaqlfAhtIE3rIvsW08BIH-ClPXh5-GwezDt9VYeOpoItT0JVJ-kC7g94C4R2L7mX_bMd3ne4bCVj9dfPirvQp0XRg_nCoU2ByZ7hFBU50Eg/s1600/SteamyKitchen+Palace+Coop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Q3qfbJ9czyV4wK7ugbQ4vr5WE8RmfS6BaqlfAhtIE3rIvsW08BIH-ClPXh5-GwezDt9VYeOpoItT0JVJ-kC7g94C4R2L7mX_bMd3ne4bCVj9dfPirvQp0XRg_nCoU2ByZ7hFBU50Eg/s1600/SteamyKitchen+Palace+Coop+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://steamykitchen.com/20640-the-palace-chicken-coop.html" target="_blank">SteamyKitchen.com</a> - The Palace Coop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, using the conceptual plan from steamykitchen.com, we know which way we'd like to go for our flock. Due to our different locales, I've tasked myself with fully designing the coop and run based on my location, taking into account the snow and wind forces that are common in New England. I also felt sorry for my unused, old and dusty engineering manuals from college and thought, why not?<br />
<br />
Future postings will update the design and construction phases of our Chicken Coop.<br />
<br />
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-91335210542821509672016-02-18T09:40:00.002-05:002016-04-26T13:23:01.121-04:00Lead Abatement and Remediation<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaLMA8wNPT4RtwW2D-98rP9FzTj88NoC1QiGXuuT0hcF-C0msjrmh7rx6DownSngGxGMRN74FY8udeAxl6KC3iRS-rPbAfDlRrSWWl0eS-kCiX2fM2DYRMhkm05OaESkMjrTtMscGtAY/s1600/Historic+House+Lead+Abatement+Sign.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaLMA8wNPT4RtwW2D-98rP9FzTj88NoC1QiGXuuT0hcF-C0msjrmh7rx6DownSngGxGMRN74FY8udeAxl6KC3iRS-rPbAfDlRrSWWl0eS-kCiX2fM2DYRMhkm05OaESkMjrTtMscGtAY/s320/Historic+House+Lead+Abatement+Sign.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
December, 2014...<br />
After numerous blood tests, a few scares and bouts of depression, I've finally succumbed to the realization that an abatement/remediation is necessary for continued residence within our home. As I write this, the process has been somewhat completed and our bank accounts as well as our emergency savings have been completely drained of whatever funds we had left. We're now trying to recover financially.... I really should create a "Donate Now" link... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a prior post (<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2015/07/abatement-contractors-and-lead-testing.html" target="_blank">Abatement Contractors and Lead Testing</a>) I mentioned four painting contractors who were invited to give an estimate for the interior abatement/remediation of our home. Of the four, the fourth was selected based on the information at hand. The company had worked on a more prominent non-profit historic house locally and was recommended by two reputable sources (a paint supply store as well as a prime contractor who have both used this contractor in the past). The others either didn't return communication, were a bit "out there", or their pricing seemed too open ended for our comfort level. So, needless to say, I had but one option available.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had negotiated a start date that coincided with my wife's work schedule so that she can be away for an extended period of time so as to alleviate the need to have her move into a local hotel. This start day was Friday, December 19, 2014. That same day, my pregnant wife and toddler left for my parent's home in NJ. I stayed behind to man the home, work and deal with the contractor on a daily basis while attempting to review their work. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few days before the start date, the contractor wanted to meet with me to remind him what work was to be done. It was a bit annoying that after giving him a printout of the XRF scan results months earlier, he would ask me what needed to be stripped. I drew up a detailed plan of our home and transcribed the locations where the lead was per the scan. The contractor didn't really seem to give a rats ass about it. He commented on it in a positive light, but I later realized he never used it as I found it left on a table under plastic. <br />
<br />
The following two images are our home's floor plan with the locations indicated by our lead inspector that have failed. The more green tags, the more lead was found. In the red boxes, I've given the contractor a to-do list of what needed to be done.... most of which was ignored.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGIj3GB6yJgCKCnzO0yBPNprPlvdlK1SY-jzFZfwSc61-c1mqaEjrjazQStbP5qZur7tB5nOQETlrn1683IkceD910C8qK4Y_fgAqNtwCnJSnhK2zt9yxDXJcyRqd9vhSDYJCB70SvQU/s640/Historic+Home+Lead+Abatement+Plan+Report+Findings+%25285%2529.tif" width="494" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cwi3APpfTBKs80QJa5dkkLU2k9GjADdV9B53lhm97wxKw3PQzSjgueTCNASv3qs5gdMafjJvqWgfJ5XwT7hiObv3vrGisMS8OUAeGuefpv3Z6qrrQ8fEQXQieOWwx3BaqKyVqfgUl2o/s1600/Historic+Home+Lead+Abatement+Plan+Report+Findings+%25289%2529.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cwi3APpfTBKs80QJa5dkkLU2k9GjADdV9B53lhm97wxKw3PQzSjgueTCNASv3qs5gdMafjJvqWgfJ5XwT7hiObv3vrGisMS8OUAeGuefpv3Z6qrrQ8fEQXQieOWwx3BaqKyVqfgUl2o/s640/Historic+Home+Lead+Abatement+Plan+Report+Findings+%25289%2529.tif" width="492" /></a></div>
The pre-start meeting ended with a rather un-nerving final conversation. After organizing and planning my wife's departure, packing and preparing our home with furniture relocated and negotiating with our jobs for time off, the contractor gave me a final "oh-by-the-way" comment. He said that his abatement license had lapsed due to some oversight. He then asked me what I wanted to do. He was concerned that I would turn him into the authorities for working on our home without a current abatement license and was considering cancelling the entire project. He assured me that he was in the process of renewing the license and he should have it in a couple weeks. With that information being said, he waited for me to respond. With a deposit in his hand, scheduling set, a son who's lead levels had recently spiked, stress levels at an all time high, money saved for a year and moved around in anticipation, work notified; I was left without any other option but to continue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, December 19 came and the contractor's crew (all of whom did not speak English very well if at all, of course) started working. The plan was for me to sleep in my son's room with our cat (and his litter box) while the crew worked on the lower floor. Once they progressed to the second floor, I would then relocate to the living room (old kitchen). <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first day was spent stripping the odds and ends (window and door frame in kitchen as well as the splat of paint on the column in the living room. While the rest of the crew placed plastic down on the floors and doorways to the rear of the home. All of our ground floor furniture was relocated to the family room (formerly the keeping room). The second floor furniture was relocated to the rear room (office). That evening, the crew placed a product called Peel-Away on the trim in the dining room. The smell in our home that first night was so strong that I got a headache. Opening my son's window (in winter) was my only salvation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each day onwards, the crew moved at a pace determined by the level of difficulty to strip the paint. Some days were very productive, most were very slow. They stored the bulk of their materials in our dining room and I had previously loaded the parlor with the doors that I had removed from nearly every room. The doors would remain in the parlor for the next eight months....(wife was not happy).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I came home from work each day, I took a quick glimpse around to see the progress. In the first week, a hole had been made in one of the containment systems with a streak of dust entering the "clean" side of the system. Upset, I communicated with the owner. It was his opinion that this is a natural occurrence and happens quite often. I'm not sure how true that is, and if so, that would mean the containment systems should be checked daily. He indicated that his crew does check each day, however, I never saw them do such a thing as I was home while they were still working and when they left.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE50ldFnN7DrmETShauHiSuZddHzRCCayfgN9XPEucoxKRU4f61OzAI96iX240eIUzPDw9T4Sc6H3QRwUrYxWWISDFtCBCTvU3QIh2KNQ5BAEgw-wmNW3x_MMi7NABtAaMat3R7-_1m88/s1600/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE50ldFnN7DrmETShauHiSuZddHzRCCayfgN9XPEucoxKRU4f61OzAI96iX240eIUzPDw9T4Sc6H3QRwUrYxWWISDFtCBCTvU3QIh2KNQ5BAEgw-wmNW3x_MMi7NABtAaMat3R7-_1m88/s400/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
The contractor and I agreed that he would be responsible for the removal of paint and though he said he could repair the plaster that was cracked in every room, I told him that I would take care of it (I didn't trust that he would do it properly). I purchased the contractor pack of Big Wally's Plaster Magic, a protective suit and a lead vapor mask. I spent each night from when I came home around 4 PM until 1 or 2 in the morning patching each visible crack. This went on nearly every night and on weekends as well throughout the project. I also toured the home with the contractor twice to mark locations missed after I complained to him that there were areas still visible of leaded paint after his crew had "stripped" it.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most days, the crew either used a heating plate or a chemical to soften the paint and scrapers/sandpaper to remove it and clean the surfaces. Communication was difficult and misunderstandings happened. It was explained to the contractor that it was my wish to maintain a level of preservation for the original woodwork in the home. He said that it would be difficult to have everything perfect since the tools used will, at times, gouge the surface so marks are to be expected. This didn't phase me, I figured it would just add to the character of the home, which they do. However, placing a sander to a piece of wood and removing not only the remnants of paint but also the original detailing hand planed over 250 years ago is not agreeable. This occurred in our bedroom on one of the decorative post casings. The contractor claimed that it was like that in the beginning.<br />
<br />
In another event, I came home one night to find the decorative dental molding in the parlor splintered and broken into a several pieces with original hand made nails protruding out of it. Irate, I called the contractor and asked him what the F#$% happened! He said that I had told him to remove it, for which I explained that only if it was not original and only to make it easy for him to abate. He said that he never saw the molding and that his crew member had called to ask him if the owner (me) was sure "that he wanted it removed since it is really hard to get off". It was really hard because there were 5-inch long spikes securing it to the beam and it was recessed behind the original plaster ceiling. Upon finding the wooden trim on the floor, there was also a 6-inch gaping hole in the ceiling where the molding had formerly been. The contractor had said that he'd patch the hole and help find someone to replace the molding. The area is still bald...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel8jGJlCZOdHRyQrW476A9owBLwkAPlCd5RmKtwWX4eLEE7BSyMefqsf8Yclb4Cghj1mA53H41uN3pzVAPLHB0s1JFHNBpgNDAUxpCqN6fRscg7JWAkshV_ZzW9SQ8c2aZwBCc_M7yDo/s1600/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel8jGJlCZOdHRyQrW476A9owBLwkAPlCd5RmKtwWX4eLEE7BSyMefqsf8Yclb4Cghj1mA53H41uN3pzVAPLHB0s1JFHNBpgNDAUxpCqN6fRscg7JWAkshV_ZzW9SQ8c2aZwBCc_M7yDo/s400/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25284%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When doing any sort of abatement, preparation takes time. A part of that prep work is to lay down 6-mil plastic sheets to cover and protect the floor. After which, the crew is to vacuum the floor, wet mop it, carefully roll it up and then dispose of the plastic as hazmat waste. This is per RRP rules. The crew used painters tape on the wood floors then applied a heavy duty red colored duct tape on top to secure the plastic to the floor. This made sense since the painters tape is more gentle on the surfaces than the duct tape. However, it didn't work out that way. The painter's tape didn't stay attached to the surface. Eventually, it nearly all peeled up, which detached the plastic from the floor along the edges of the rooms. The picture here has the 6-mil plastic covering completely detached from the red duct tape, exposing not only the floor, but the baseboard heating hardware. This is my son's bedroom. The leaded dust from the scraping the windows landed in the exposed areas, going into the baseboard heating and also under the floors. I was told that it would be cleaned up...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another problem with the tape was during the cleanup process. I had warned the contractor to protect the floors since tape does pull up the finish if not done so properly. I had instructed him to use a hairdryer to heat the surface before SLOWLY removing the tape. This would potentially leave a sticky residue but the finish would remain intact. My request was ignored. I now have a 2" wide boarder of missing finish from all but one room as well as the front stairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGFO3dK9rVMcnfx8EKtFZOUTH7XOqyx4o7ffo2qd0qd7JohDbMSL9EZuuiYoAlHLdma5w7jdF0QoZhwffA1PeZokaCOOpka0_n6W7O4NRLyP54ZDsTlpNrLa9Dqgmocgg2fKUCquLhA0/s1600/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGFO3dK9rVMcnfx8EKtFZOUTH7XOqyx4o7ffo2qd0qd7JohDbMSL9EZuuiYoAlHLdma5w7jdF0QoZhwffA1PeZokaCOOpka0_n6W7O4NRLyP54ZDsTlpNrLa9Dqgmocgg2fKUCquLhA0/s640/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25281%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Nearly every wall surface was touched. All wallpaper was removed, the underlying surface was primed. The priming process was not very successful. The crew rolled the primer on the plaster and ignored the paint chips being flaked up. The final appearance was suppose to be a blank wall for me to apply a final paint scheme to. However, the actual appearance was quite literally a mess. Paint chips were imbedded into the primer and spread throughout all the walls. I'll spend the next few months also applying joint compound so hide all the ridges.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Paint removal continued for several weeks, longer than the initial two week estimated time frame. Christmas came, then New Years. It wasn't until the middle of January that my family was forced to travel back to our State for work and medical appointments. However, once the leaded surfaces were abated, the contractor, per abatement rules, is required to clean. Having taken the RRP course and after our prior issues with this project, I was curious as to how the contractor was going to complete this important aspect of the project. <br />
<br />
He proceeded to explain that he uses a "tried and true method" of two buckets and one mop. His crew made a TSP (powdered tri-sodium phosphate) cleaning mixture in one bucket and kept the other bucket empty. His crew dipped the mop the first bucket, wiped the floor, then rinsed it in the second bucket, then wet the mop in the first bucket, wipe the floor, etc. Per RRP, this is borderline acceptable for cleaning a home of lead-based paint dust. Doing so potentially spreads the leaded dust from one highly contaminated room to the entire house as the mop is reused continually.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recalled from my RRP training that the <em>best</em> method is to use a <u>wet</u> swifter pad (or similar) that was white in color and wipe the floor with it. One wipe was limited to cleaning a twenty square feet area. When done, you compare the "dirty" side to a white sample card (provided in the RRP class). If the white pad is darker, do it again. Repeat until the whiteness of the pad basically stays white. Once done, throw the pad away, get a new one and start with the next twenty square foot area. Yes, it takes longer than the two bucket mop method, but it's done once and its guaranteed to be clean. The contractor didn't agree citing the costs of buying the pads and continued to use the mop and buckets...EVERYWHERE. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My pregnant wife, mother and son had arrived back in CT anticipating coming home. I had to explain that they could not come home as we had to test to make sure the home was clean of lead dust. We arranged for a hotel locally. Later that day, on his dime per the contract, the contractor hired a lead inspector to test the floors. Twenty-four hours later, the results were in. The results were... <strong>nearly every room failed, with one room exceeding 300 mg/SF</strong>. The next day, the contractor came back with boxes of wet wipes and his crew proceeded to hand wipe the floors. After that level of attention, the floors were so clean that they squeaked from my sneakers. The lead inspector came back and tested again, this time (another 24 hours later), the results were, for the most part, a <strong><u>zero</u></strong> reading and the contractor stopped shitting bricks. My family, after 4 days in a hotel, were back home. It's now past the middle of January.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZbNXXF7wOjSCPv5uXpYvCksUL9CJgiOUErT7WrrZRUgA9gcME87EFEdz0VcUqotPsHWjZaLw-JnfWUz8UAY4cJ-rDbaklw_wFHXO2Gqbp5xjZXanLG7WarC2lUtso2Op4wL60EHOTjg/s1600/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZbNXXF7wOjSCPv5uXpYvCksUL9CJgiOUErT7WrrZRUgA9gcME87EFEdz0VcUqotPsHWjZaLw-JnfWUz8UAY4cJ-rDbaklw_wFHXO2Gqbp5xjZXanLG7WarC2lUtso2Op4wL60EHOTjg/s400/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Per a verbal agreement, the contractor took all our window sashes and stripped them elsewhere. He brought them back later in the week. The stripping was OK, but not the best quality as paint was still visible in certain areas. The painters did not mark the windows when they were removed from the rooms, so the hardest part when they were returned was figuring out which sashes matched each other, and with which frame. To this day, I still don't have them back in the right openings. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pricing was also an annoyance. First, obviously, this was not affordable. The contractor does not take a credit card, we really did not want to increase our mortgage and our insurance provider laughed at us, literally. Grants and such were previously discussed in another post (<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/08/lead-poisoning.html" target="_blank">Lead Poisoning</a>), which we did not qualify for. It took us a very long time to save up the cash, no vacations, no extravagant spending. A second annoyance was the contractor's inability to name a price. Each time something happened where work may cost more, he would ask me, "How much do you think it's worth?" I felt like I was being hustled. If I had been in the mood to be brutally honest, I would've told him to owe me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKcyXSDhg5g8wyVR2oVxWdtU1u3Krswl9jUBljokkSGmLv_hWnA_MJQxOW7LuMh9r07f9VuiWBvaesuSqVxS4IR3fdgZMINdiZvRjy7dKPvVrqtPV_taq6AG3jNkgNArB6Y5FvyUvPjY/s1600/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25281%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKcyXSDhg5g8wyVR2oVxWdtU1u3Krswl9jUBljokkSGmLv_hWnA_MJQxOW7LuMh9r07f9VuiWBvaesuSqVxS4IR3fdgZMINdiZvRjy7dKPvVrqtPV_taq6AG3jNkgNArB6Y5FvyUvPjY/s320/Historic+home+lead+abatement+%25281%2529.PNG" width="213" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Final cost (not counting my supplies or equipment which added another ±$3,000):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$3,000 deposit on 12/18/14</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$4,000 payment on 12/24/14</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$4,000 payment on 12/31/14</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$4,900 payment 01/07/15</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>$2,000 final payment on 01/20/15</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$17,900</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Regarding the abatement license, at the conclusion of the project, I requested a copy of the abatement license so that I may have it for my records. I reminded the contractor that he indicated he would renew the document. He admitted that he was no longer pursuing the license as he plans on combining companies with another person and didn't want to waste the $600 (he says) on the renewal. Well, what a shock...., instead gave me the expired license, the one that became invalid a few months before his crew set foot on my property. A photocopy was left on my back deck and a photo texted to me as seen here.<br />
<br />
<em>More before/after photos to come...</em></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-67011133863242899952015-08-31T08:45:00.000-04:002016-02-23T14:18:59.647-05:00Refinancing...<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOepAMZBsHRj8L_cowMMJ1hPAlSwjI89jf6AcjE8WOuaUG4Y_hvsKkVe6b6E5uaeeAiTscO2zUtBAwgpTOA0SSILAOzWJODZsIt72fFbXkt1_8S-55RqfRECC5PpDygCXzyU3gpurwhjA/s1600/NOPMI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOepAMZBsHRj8L_cowMMJ1hPAlSwjI89jf6AcjE8WOuaUG4Y_hvsKkVe6b6E5uaeeAiTscO2zUtBAwgpTOA0SSILAOzWJODZsIt72fFbXkt1_8S-55RqfRECC5PpDygCXzyU3gpurwhjA/s200/NOPMI.jpg" title="Just Say No!" width="200" /></a>When we purchased our home, the mortgage that we locked into had a rate of 4.375%, a conventional loan lasting 30 years. Since we did not put down 20%, the dreaded PMI was tacked on. Our mortgage broker told us that in two years we can get rid of it. What a fat lie.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Private mortgage insurance is an insurance that the bank takes out against you because you failed to put down 20% of the purchase price as a down payment. If we were able to put down the full 20% of the sale price with the bank covering the remaining 80%, should we default on the loan, the bank would sell the home and make back their 80% AND gain our 20% deposit. Now, as we did not have that 20%, the bank takes out that insurance on us to make up the difference in case we default. Per our broker, after a two year period, we make a call to the bank, tell them it's been two years and they'll get rid of the PMI portion of our mortgage. In our specific case, it's $100.04 per month or $1,200.48 per year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Makes sense? No, it's still confusing and a waste of money for us. So where's the "big-fat-lie"? It's been 3½ years since we purchased our home. I contacted the bank and naively asked for the PMI to be taken away. The bank said, "Hold on a second, not so fast....you have to prove the value of the house is high enough to surpass the debt to value ratio of 80%." "How do we prove that?" was my response. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The answer is annoying. The bank will hire a real estate appraiser (who we pay for) that will compute the value of our home. Take the balance of our mortgage principal (the amount left on your mortgage) divided by the value of the home (per the appraiser). If the number you get is equal to or less than 0.80, then you've surpassed the 20% threshold and the PMI can be taken away (assuming that 2 years have passed, of course).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, so how does this look for us? Well...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We purchased the home for $275,000.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We made a down payment of $30,000 (10.9% of the purchase price).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The loan from the bank covered the rest at $245,000.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since we were less than 20%, the bank charged us PMI at $100.04 per month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been 3½ years, so we are past the minimum 2 year "wait" period per the bank.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After 3½ years of mortgage payments, we've paid approximately $83,000 to our bank. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>Breakdown: $21,000 was for property taxes, $4,200 went to PMI, $24,200 went to the principal and $33,600 went straight into the trash (I mean interest charges).</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After paying $83,000, our mortgage dropped from $245,000 to $220,800, that's it. Our home would have to be worth $281,250 today for the debt to value ratio to be 80% or less. If not, I would have to pay more to the principal to make up the difference or walk away and continue paying the mortgage as is.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now here's the point of this post. If I get rid of the PMI and I refinance the mortgage from a 30 year down to a 15 year term, since the interest rate is much smaller than our current rate, we would save approximately $160,000 over the course of 15 years while paying roughly $300 more per a month than what we are paying now. Doesn't that just sound awesome?! I've started dreaming in my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The process for refinancing the mortgage is very similar to the removal of the PMI (which is how this whole process came to light). I searched for banks with the lowest rates and found a small local bank offering 2.89% on a 15 year mortgage. I contacted them, filled out the mortgage application, spoke with the broker who asked that I pay $410 for an appraiser to appraise our home. With a refinance, the bank needs to see how much we're asking the bank to cover versus how much our home is worth now. We paid the fee and prepared for the appraiser to come. I made a list of all the work done on the home since our arrival. I was shocked to realize that we've spent $45,000 on repairs and upgrades since 2011 (tack that onto what was paid to the mortgage and you can see why these homes are money pits)! I also included a list of our area's attractions, after all, real estate is all about location, location, location, right?.....WRONG!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the appraiser came, we gave our list to him, he toured our home, took a few lousy photographs and left. The whole encounter lasted less than 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
About a week past by before the appraiser submitted the all important number. The whole time waiting for him, the interest rates hadn't changed, that is, until he submitted his documentation. By this point, the rate had jumped to 3.0% (gee... thanks for taking your time).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtJN5XYKPObpZ0oMnjRQpU63Y-sP1zdOjxxRVrCCbmWl0k5e9DFBgJ8zmxiuRGPo1uh0C3-MnExFDNsy5TV9uesKNjO6TMBPj0DjeglyDjWo84MPpKn3stz4THOSb5ALgKKhF-SXWzoY/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtJN5XYKPObpZ0oMnjRQpU63Y-sP1zdOjxxRVrCCbmWl0k5e9DFBgJ8zmxiuRGPo1uh0C3-MnExFDNsy5TV9uesKNjO6TMBPj0DjeglyDjWo84MPpKn3stz4THOSb5ALgKKhF-SXWzoY/s1600/images.jpg" title="Almost underwater" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Drum roll.... the appraiser "computed" our home's official value at $276,000. Yes, that's right, its worth only $1,000 more than what we paid for it in 2011 (appraised then at $283,000). Dumping in another $45,000, I was hoping our home's value would've been around the $300k mark. What a major disappointment. The bank told us that we'll have to pay $4,200 to make up the debt to value ratio. I can't get rid of the PMI nor can I even refinance without dipping into our last bits of savings. After our recent lead abatement (future post), you can imagine angst.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just have no luck.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If a banker and/or an appraiser happen to read this blog, please consider these factors:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Make sure the appraiser is from the area that the home is located. It doesn't make sense to have an appraiser totally unfamiliar with the area make an appraisal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. When appraising, if the local inventory of HISTORIC PROPERTIES is limited, perhaps you should open the field to get a better understanding of the home values around the entire region, not just a pin point on a map.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Don't use the ONLY historic home that sold recently as a basis for my home's value. These homes vary greatly in condition and with a limited inventory, using only one valuation is not a true indication of value.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------------------------- two weeks later -----------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So we sat on this for a couple weeks or so. I was, quite frankly, pissed. The appraiser took his time, the rates had surpassed 3.0% and we would have to pay several thousands of dollars to avoid the PMI. Once I got over it, I checked the rates again. They had dropped. With the FED doing their usual dancing and freaking out the markets, I was pleasantly surprised that the rate dropped a bit. My wife and I discussed our finances and decided to continue with the process. We locked in the new rate, moved money around and now have a 15-year refinanced mortgage. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Current mortgage is as follows:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Term: 15-year, 180 payments</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rate: 2.89%</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Loan: $220,800.00</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Total Due at Closing: $7,704.98 (includes down payment to remove PMI, escrow startup, legal fees and bank fees)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Home Insurance was removed from the mortgage (per the bank's policy, weird), restructured and paid on an annual basis. Altogether, the home insurance dropped. The new biweekly mortgage amount became $966.41 with an anticipated end date in 2028 (yes, that's less than 15 years, exciting!). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can't wait to be mortgage free...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I've updated our <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/p/expenses.html" target="_blank">Expense</a> page to reflect the new mortgage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Side Note:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've got an old high school friend working "on Wall Street". That is to say, he works in NYC with the financial markets. He advised me that paying off the mortgage is a bad idea. I would be loosing out on the annual tax deduction and I could make more money in the markets instead of putting the cash towards the mortgage. To all of you whom feel compelled to say the same thing to me, here's my response:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. I suck at investing, I obviously live in a "money pit". Though as much as I try to learn anything in finances, I only win by pure luck rarely and fear loosing money all the time. So going into the markets isn't an argument for not getting rid of the mortgage. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Taxes... really? I'll be honest, my wife and I receive roughly $2,000 to $3,000 a year of our own money back from Uncle Sam. If our mortgage was $2,000 a month and is now paid off, I would be saving $24,000 a year (minus property taxes) of, again, our own money. I'd rather loose the annual tax rebate from our mortgage interest and gain an extra $20,000+ in cash every year (which I can place into investments, home repairs, add to retirement, etc). Opportunity costs being what they are, we're still putting money into our retirement accounts as well as college savings for our children.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. When our mortgage is paid off, my wife and I will be in our mid to late 40's, my son will be almost 18, his sister 15. I'll need to prepare for their college education as well which I estimate will be $30k to $50k per year (if they're not going to Harvard/Princeton/MIT/etc).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope my logic makes sense to some.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-74444344431219251182015-07-01T17:34:00.000-04:002015-07-01T17:34:00.104-04:00Abatement Contractors and Lead Testing<div style="text-align: justify;">
August 2014...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After my son's blood lead level began to rise again, our parlor was sealed for the next few months. I asked for word of mouth references and searched online for another. Altogether, I sourced four different painting contractors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For each one, my wife and I discussed what we were looking for. We explained that we were not sure exactly where the lead-based paint was. We wanted all wood trim stripped bare. We wanted all the god awful wallpaper gone. We also wanted the work to coincide with my wife's work schedule so that she and my son can leave our home for the duration of the work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contractor No. 1 (from Madison, CT):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The owner was a kind and punctual man. He arrived when he said he would and was a no-nonsense kind of guy. He through numbers out based on his knowledge, quoting $10,000 a floor. He indicated that it's difficult to quote an antique home due to the unknowns. He wanted to do the work on an hourly basis, I wasn't comfortable with that. He suggested a $2,000 max to start and see how far his crew could get. That sounded reasonable, but when we started to breakdown what was included within the $2,000, it wasn't just his crew's hours, it also included travel time for his crew and travel time for him separately making approximately two visits a day. It seemed unreasonable for me to pay for 4 men, at 40 minutes each way... what's that a minimum of 5 hours of "commute" time? At roughly $35/hr for just the painters, I'd loose $175/day minimum from that $2,000 limit. That leaves only $1,825 to spend on the paint stripping, wall paper removal and plaster patching, that works out to be 1.5 days assuming nothing goes wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contractor No. 2 (from Meriden, CT):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The owner took a quick tour and he described his restoration efforts of his own antique home. He described gutting the entire building.... that put me off as it showed that he had very little respect for the historic fabric of the home. Beyond that, he submitted a quote to do as we had asked and place 2 coats of LBC paint. The total estimate was $15,000 for the entire interior. He also supplied his insurance information. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contractor No. 3 (realtor reference, unknown location):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This gentleman was described as being very expensive but getting the job done (haven't I heard that one before). He came over and toured our home. He was very sympathetic and said that if we have patience, he will find a way to do the job for free. Yes, that's what he said. He explained that he doesn't believe that we should pay for something that should have never been allowed in the country. He left saying that when he figures out how to make it happen, he'll get back to us. We never heard from him again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contractor No. 4 (from East Hartford, CT):</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This last painter came recommended from two different sources, the local paint supply store and a general contractor that specializes in antique homes. This painting contractor had also done work on a rather famous historic house locally. He took a tour of our home, but didn't want to give an estimate as he said we needed to have the home fully tested in order to ensure we knew where all the lead was. This was the first time a contractor had recommended getting the home tested. So, with that, he left and I searched for a lead inspector.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Lead Inspection</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIboN8M2kMaoWs77ZYkenzRv9Li_4SEXZhyphenhyphenrItD1EN6oMLbiNe0hDFZkcGtd8p0vYt60cE_5MkRn9yagrX-aa4Sywpse5AC0yzGYuof6NJ7alEmoMy6mjP4C7xfDadxM3Q_B4x8pWfH-U/s1600/XRF+scan+lead+historic+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIboN8M2kMaoWs77ZYkenzRv9Li_4SEXZhyphenhyphenrItD1EN6oMLbiNe0hDFZkcGtd8p0vYt60cE_5MkRn9yagrX-aa4Sywpse5AC0yzGYuof6NJ7alEmoMy6mjP4C7xfDadxM3Q_B4x8pWfH-U/s1600/XRF+scan+lead+historic+house.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Is it worth the expense? </i> Simply put, yes, if your home was built/painted prior to 1978, chances are there is lead and because of that, knowing where it is can save you a headache. However, knowing that there is lead, and it is not dealt with, disallows you, as a homeowner, from checking off that ridiculous "No Knowledge of its Presence" box when selling your home (we all know it's a lie anyway). However, removing the lead will help to raise the property value... just saying, it's worth it from an expense point of view and for your sanity.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjIGesoEPYQ-BEIgb4KSZxNitgkqjtOTGY9sKqCKP_UDADdf44TQLeKKLUO9Enir61DsfvfBaHtSPz8I473LqyJN4U41InxDgTQs98aLF-uhcGsYEzCLejxSQUkOZUF6qqd3gWiitais/s1600/resizedimage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjIGesoEPYQ-BEIgb4KSZxNitgkqjtOTGY9sKqCKP_UDADdf44TQLeKKLUO9Enir61DsfvfBaHtSPz8I473LqyJN4U41InxDgTQs98aLF-uhcGsYEzCLejxSQUkOZUF6qqd3gWiitais/s1600/resizedimage.png" width="320" /></a><br />
I hired HLB Environmental to scan my home with an XRF gun. This is the best method to check for lead. It is not the least expensive nor is it a perfect test. But, it is much more accurate than the read-everything-as-lead 3M sticks or the read-everything-as-safe D-Lead chemistry sets. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The proprietor, Matt Baber, arrived on time with an assistant. The three of us spent approximately 4 hours going room by room with the XRF gun. Within each room, he took one reading per each wall, the ceiling, the floor and one like trim (i.e., one window frame, one door frame, etc). In the end, he took a total of 217 readings throughout our home. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>How accurate is it? </i> The XRF measures a 1 cm<sup>2</sup> area at the tip of the gun. The gun computes the concentration of lead and reveals it in grams per cm<sup>2</sup>. Because each manufacturer of an XRF gun has a plus or minus reading error (ours was somewhere in the range of ±0.3 to ±0.7 gm/cm<sup>2</sup>), CT state assumes that a reading above 1.0 gm/cm<sup>2</sup> is positive for lead based paint. So, if you were checking a wall that was 7 feet tall and 10 feet wide and you checked one square centimeter of that entire area and it came back greater than 1.0 gm/cm<sup>2</sup>, that doesn't mean there is lead based paint throughout that 70 square foot wall surface. That reading only means that single square centimeter has lead based paint. Chances are the entire wall has that nasty stuff, but take it with a "grain of salt". This also works the other way: where you'll get a reading of 0.0 gm/cm<sup>2 </sup>at one location, move the gun over a couple feet and you'll hit the jackpot. The accuracy is what it is from that one area that is being testing immediately in front of the gun. And, you could test the same area over and over and not get the same exact number. That's because the XRF gun's power source is a tiny radioactive particle that emits electrons and a sensor within the gun counts those electrons returning. However, as the radioactive material decays, it's readings change.... without getting into the nuclear engineering of it, the device needs to be re-calibrated every-so-many times in use. For our inspection the XRF gun was calibrated before scanning, once during scanning and when done with the scanning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, normally, the fees for such an inspection cost between $700 and $1,000. The reason is because of paperwork. There are abatement plans that can be generated and a monitoring program that can be added as well per town rules or what-have-you. Honestly, the "abatement plan" is to remove the paint down to bare wood then encapsulate. The "monitoring program" is to visually check the encapsulated surfaces periodically to ensure they are still intact. That's it, what I just wrote out (albeit with more flowery words) entails the gist of the added expense. All I wanted to know was where the lead was. Pricing for just the licensed inspector with his XRF gun for one house of my size was $450. Done.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like previous products and services mentioned, I did not receive any compensation nor discounts. I've placed his company's website here in case someone else in CT is looking for the bare essentials of an XRF scan. He does do the rest of the documentation as well, for a fee. <a href="http://hlbenvironmental.com/" target="_blank">HLB Enviromental</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Steve, how would you rate HLB?</i> That's a tough question to accurately answer since I don't invite lead inspectors over my home on a regular basis. He arrived on time, gave me a decent price and gave me a report for my use. However, here are what could be considered negatives:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Upon scanning the front entry, he forgot to scan the stairs, spindles and banisters. This seems like a pretty obvious thing to not miss... He did correct the issue, came back a second time, free of charge, scanned the last few locations and submitted a second sheet of data, just for the stairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. While scanning a room, the wall closest to the front yard is labeled A, the wall to the right, B, etc. This is the standard for all inspectors. One of the rooms in the rear of our second floor confused Matt and he had labeled a couple walls incorrectly which confused myself and the contractor later on. It wasn't a major issue for us, but for a more complex home or a less observant homeowner, it could have been wasted money when it came time to abate/remediate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Now this is something that I am hesitant to mention because I wouldn't want to have someone pity anyone. Yet, it may be of some worth to mention that Matt has Parkinson's Disease. While using the XRF, the gun's tip is not held motionless on the surface being tested as Matt does shake a bit. I do not have a manual to refer to so I am not sure if the XRF needs to stay motionless for the entire duration of the scan (which can take between a few seconds to a minute depending on age of the gun). For some comfort, Matt did have an assistant which I can only assume would be to help him out in the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within a couple days, I received the test results. HLB Environmental was required by State law to also submit the report to the Sanitarian (...<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/08/lead-poisoning.html" target="_blank">remember him</a>?) in my town as I had a child under the age of 6 residing in our home. Every town is different, some strict, other's not. I haven't heard from my town's sanitarian since he passed gas in our dining room two years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A copy of the test results were emailed to the contractors mentioned earlier. Only one of the contractor's got back to us (no, it wasn't the free guy). We scheduled for a December 2014 start date. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To be continued...</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-51497123929808704482015-03-06T17:34:00.000-05:002015-03-06T17:34:00.568-05:00Parlor Renovation, Part IV - Paint Stripping<div style="text-align: justify;">
March, 2014...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The parlor is coming along. It is a mess right now, but still, I can picture the final look in my head. My wife, though she tries, is more annoyed with the time it has taken to get to this point. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I keep bouncing between different aspects of the room. Plaster repair, wallpaper removal and paint stripping have been tackled at the same time. For this post, I'd like to focus on the paint removal from our paneled wall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEREz5LFNXkuQ5GCqwDZdMNqS_ONUIbRzEgphbTPjS62zJoCxRm7blUNDlkVqhDPFxXt_3gKmfX5P-wvZxGq-d7LS37Nh7ZsV44EARXaRv_dsDypPLR1Nw4qkOiaE-Ws1p7T_ewCroyg/s1600/18th+Century+Colonial+Existing+Parlor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEREz5LFNXkuQ5GCqwDZdMNqS_ONUIbRzEgphbTPjS62zJoCxRm7blUNDlkVqhDPFxXt_3gKmfX5P-wvZxGq-d7LS37Nh7ZsV44EARXaRv_dsDypPLR1Nw4qkOiaE-Ws1p7T_ewCroyg/s1600/18th+Century+Colonial+Existing+Parlor+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The wall was unpainted when our previous owner moved in. After hiring an interior decorator, the two decided (perhaps in a drunken stupor) that a dark green colored room would be best suited for the Asian themed Americana home (see <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/p/as-toured-photos.html" target="_blank">here</a> for photos before we purchased the home). As with previous posts, it now becomes my task to undo their horrid decisions. The panel was painted with a primer and a coat or two of that green/gray paint. For several months I chipped away using an Amazon.com sourced paint scraper for detail work. The results were pretty decent. As I became cocky with my scrapping, I began to gouge the surface damaging the wood. It didn't matter what the profile was, one slip was all it took to make the scar. Knowing that the surfaces were painted in the last 20 years, I was confident that there was no lead in the room. I took a test just to be sure; the result was negative.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-AqlZgma4rbpNXRgWnZgup5rIZRjJA0LPQ0QeXI5IYoDXc-TlAyM8yIn76T0WHtcidmhmI2bepO3OvJzgdO1eWox-sGdR3O5VibC19o1fcFj6iYkFFbPRyU9g8i_-tcZYIvsPIDjA7M/s1600/Parlor+paneled+wall+paint+removal+scraping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-AqlZgma4rbpNXRgWnZgup5rIZRjJA0LPQ0QeXI5IYoDXc-TlAyM8yIn76T0WHtcidmhmI2bepO3OvJzgdO1eWox-sGdR3O5VibC19o1fcFj6iYkFFbPRyU9g8i_-tcZYIvsPIDjA7M/s1600/Parlor+paneled+wall+paint+removal+scraping.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was about halfway through this job when I began researching lead paint removal for a future project. This would've been for the exterior yet would also work on any painted surfaces. The contraption discovered was called a Speedheater. The company's advertising can be seen on youtube and on their site: <a href="http://www.eco-strip.com/index.html" target="_blank">eco-strip.com</a>. It's a $499 tool that heats the surface, much like a heat gun or a heat plate would, except, the temperature is much less. Since lead vaporizes above 1000degF, this contraption heats the surface to 200 to 400 degrees, just enough to bubble the paint. Since this temperature range is far less than the vaporization point of lead, it makes sense as a lead removal tool. They also sell a scraper kit for an extra $99. The combined kit, for the most part, does a decent job but is not perfect.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Where the scrappers from Amazon.com were simple, effective tools; one slip and the surface was gouged. With the Speedheater, the surface sizzled and bubbled during a 20-second exposure. The bubbled paint came off very nicely with no gouging of the surface. However, there were times when the process did not work. Instead of making large bubbles that peeled away easily, the Speedheater created small bubbles that made the surface tacky and extremely difficult, if not impossible, to scrape the paint off. Additionally, if one leaves the Speedheater on the surface for too long, it does burn the wood. Several times, my wife would poke her head into my work area and comment, "why's it so smoky in here?" Eventually, the tacky areas, the mildly burned spots and the gouges gave way to a good sanding. I took my finishing sander and loose pieces of sand paper and went at it. I hated doing it, having had the desire to keep any semi-original finish, but after realizing that large portions of the paneled wall were a more recent reproduction, my objective changed to a clean, fresh surface. I worked on the entire wall over the next few months, nearly the entire surface was bare except the dental molding. Becoming annoyed with the tedious paint removal of the molding, I ventured to other painted surfaces. I had previously tested the plaster walls, wood paneled wall and windows with the D-Lead lead test kit, all coming back negative. I started removing the paint from the window trim...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...June, 2014...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was around this time that our son had his next periodic lead test. To everyone's surprise, it was slightly higher than last time (see <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/08/lead-poisoning.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Everything STOPPED. As a precaution, I washed down every surface immediately at our front entrance, washed down my tools and sealed the room. I looked at the lead test kit I used previously and noted that the kit was defunct! It was either expired (though it was in-date on the package) or tainted. I have to stop this insanity, I give up! It's my child's health at risk. I called in three lead abatement certified painting contractors and am awaiting estimates... I'm done with the "Parlor Renovation" ...<i>to be continued</i>...</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-4935335209778915632015-02-26T23:54:00.001-05:002015-02-26T23:54:57.035-05:00Parlor Renovation, Part III - Water Leak Repaired<div style="text-align: justify;">
November, 2013...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The hole in the wall had become larger due to my eagerness (see <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/12/parlor-renovation-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part I</a>). I had contracted with Sunderland Period Homes to repair the south facing parlor window. As promised in Part I, the following are the procedures that were taken to repair the window frame:</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH4Hw-o6TqqBf39HtWK89CBO2yuQDFbmWQgD4W0qUE_HiivBFyMkAyKUJyudbqccr1cFdX_XusgdxlVY2Mj83rLQsvno0XsPj4IdVQtsx3IkGJaGUTalrCZyRjNoGVCTZtYvI19O8Mzw/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH4Hw-o6TqqBf39HtWK89CBO2yuQDFbmWQgD4W0qUE_HiivBFyMkAyKUJyudbqccr1cFdX_XusgdxlVY2Mj83rLQsvno0XsPj4IdVQtsx3IkGJaGUTalrCZyRjNoGVCTZtYvI19O8Mzw/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunderland Period Homes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The crew of two started with the removal of the siding. Each board was removed, numbered and stacked in the front yard. The boards were scraped for a clean edge while the paper around the window was torn off. A product they had called "ice and water" (branded as Protecto Wrap) was used as a first layer of defense around the window. The product is a tacky tar-like membrane that helps secure the joint between the clapboards and window frame from water. It came in a roll and was placed first along the bottom of the window, then the sides which overlapped the bottom and finally across the top of the window, overlapping the sides.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm8MQMdXBG0aX84mHzdnfTESkWOZIr0l7a5BxkrAYmY3OymqZH3R5_sRgGbh3f-Kmd-vYuRQ0j-8Z5lx4whgP9k2VvndeY5ubmlDYJbybtfDLZFS_ZbOuTMjwfRniYb28eALsgvjA5mE/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm8MQMdXBG0aX84mHzdnfTESkWOZIr0l7a5BxkrAYmY3OymqZH3R5_sRgGbh3f-Kmd-vYuRQ0j-8Z5lx4whgP9k2VvndeY5ubmlDYJbybtfDLZFS_ZbOuTMjwfRniYb28eALsgvjA5mE/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siding removed, "ice & water" partially installed, storm window being removed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rotted wood on the frame was marked for removal. The marking delineated an area that was easy to cut and replicate. A scraper was used to remove paint to expose the wood's surface. A straight edge was then used to complete the mark out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluI4kCdoc1SYlsGG_I1_F1RoRtnn1nmTWymWThy4P_Nby3VVWxO8i22omg4rFYiv2GQs36tDF1KBYLXRPDGYgarcvvcOSAejRm_ZUlPe49Wz0H6XTdJEHEjomLk2lASnc3TUwe9ZMl0A/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluI4kCdoc1SYlsGG_I1_F1RoRtnn1nmTWymWThy4P_Nby3VVWxO8i22omg4rFYiv2GQs36tDF1KBYLXRPDGYgarcvvcOSAejRm_ZUlPe49Wz0H6XTdJEHEjomLk2lASnc3TUwe9ZMl0A/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraping the paint off the damaged area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7loTp5_1klwCnKnmsmFkMDQTM6-bzH1JQu6SxBVoemFPixiMo_R8eYqh59JH8dxulQlz6wNY-5KqRQA_au5yuzQI3fKvgOOpaPAadv_U7fgyUdFryLTB5pA_XovAYeyyB5LxDOyldqA/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7loTp5_1klwCnKnmsmFkMDQTM6-bzH1JQu6SxBVoemFPixiMo_R8eYqh59JH8dxulQlz6wNY-5KqRQA_au5yuzQI3fKvgOOpaPAadv_U7fgyUdFryLTB5pA_XovAYeyyB5LxDOyldqA/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a straight edge for mark out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once the area to be removed is marked, it is then removed using a router. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fRcJqGyb1OYMXS7HtVqd6QBIGprTZPfPiCEiR90AllPVRXZCpnYU88Age-WfIZ9MP9gbcIn6vnSMRk2vwVrY7hv1GA7wtleoys0a1YJ6QYttwoTZOW4obnPD3dfqae7kfVdfiaZZRtU/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fRcJqGyb1OYMXS7HtVqd6QBIGprTZPfPiCEiR90AllPVRXZCpnYU88Age-WfIZ9MP9gbcIn6vnSMRk2vwVrY7hv1GA7wtleoys0a1YJ6QYttwoTZOW4obnPD3dfqae7kfVdfiaZZRtU/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The depth of the router is adjusted prior to the removal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl4Pifn6mp5qtcLy2aKl3s_WkG-jupU2NUw2TsGQNyqKlzf_bJ1Ao6EP-ey7bjroUO-Ztzu1L32p_30TvBfBmuK0WJWGSu3UMHqXSp7S4_bWkN08lwmcltlCcR3ZWVnYzn7jDDG4ifvM/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl4Pifn6mp5qtcLy2aKl3s_WkG-jupU2NUw2TsGQNyqKlzf_bJ1Ao6EP-ey7bjroUO-Ztzu1L32p_30TvBfBmuK0WJWGSu3UMHqXSp7S4_bWkN08lwmcltlCcR3ZWVnYzn7jDDG4ifvM/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting from the outside edge, the carpenter carefully routers the wood to the indicated shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A stock piece of wood slightly thicker than the area being patched is used. It is laid against the frame and the cutout is traced onto the stock wood. A jigsaw was used to cut it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbU2DYUbTU2iDsHIxjCoSL-G8O0t3xRAzDjzUrPY4AAo3DBo-uPkiPGvHqaZJn4odmRduLS4Lry2ElAp9Epnz5L-z0nCkEMKPtJnux5OdZRnblb6wTOnNL1pHSx5zcNwAm9SPqxMan-Y/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbU2DYUbTU2iDsHIxjCoSL-G8O0t3xRAzDjzUrPY4AAo3DBo-uPkiPGvHqaZJn4odmRduLS4Lry2ElAp9Epnz5L-z0nCkEMKPtJnux5OdZRnblb6wTOnNL1pHSx5zcNwAm9SPqxMan-Y/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap of wood being cut using a jigsaw. Note the clapboards on the sawhorses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBulRbvtLLzwjlkUFPXrii20ZSF3oyAT2GVCOap96WKi1QvtacWmu8ENxrDdQGu8QaRVUbYWArdWA2D_cYwSjYR5RP3icFvxOTNMx76-K2V8BiCjWQj_qzV8pQbRyVRSHDG9oBjIwUG5A/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBulRbvtLLzwjlkUFPXrii20ZSF3oyAT2GVCOap96WKi1QvtacWmu8ENxrDdQGu8QaRVUbYWArdWA2D_cYwSjYR5RP3icFvxOTNMx76-K2V8BiCjWQj_qzV8pQbRyVRSHDG9oBjIwUG5A/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect match.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the patch ready, time to install. The carpenter recommended that a 3x construction adhesive be used instead of stronger adhesives (such as the 8x) as the stronger varieties tend to be too gritty for this application.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0flWYFHZH43kDjBtlypk9z-iTxtCP2RZgTj23QjuGdbYEhklv-NIvLeVXOjjsYjuOxrBCkp5ZiPiKl1QiFUS8n4UrV-dOg17s9h_kq-0Ei4PKn9oS_6BQDkSrf1ErYV6S3YIEqdnbl4/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0flWYFHZH43kDjBtlypk9z-iTxtCP2RZgTj23QjuGdbYEhklv-NIvLeVXOjjsYjuOxrBCkp5ZiPiKl1QiFUS8n4UrV-dOg17s9h_kq-0Ei4PKn9oS_6BQDkSrf1ErYV6S3YIEqdnbl4/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction adhesive, 3x strength.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvhtXPTS3PuQhXxClO01BEax7vVlRk_OHMVVhyphenhyphenzawx6Qe70DeXJbdEGQnTcnkZH3J1eNuQqrZCYSHbnRVxXwelpRnCr-C5H3Iu4CG1Kasp8PC35VkotWGRFh_aK4aV8HQpVB1V0VyS14/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvhtXPTS3PuQhXxClO01BEax7vVlRk_OHMVVhyphenhyphenzawx6Qe70DeXJbdEGQnTcnkZH3J1eNuQqrZCYSHbnRVxXwelpRnCr-C5H3Iu4CG1Kasp8PC35VkotWGRFh_aK4aV8HQpVB1V0VyS14/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The application of the adhesive into the cut out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The previously sized stock piece of wood is squeezed into the fresh adhesive. The carpenter pre-drills screw holes and secures the patch with stainless screws. Once the adhesive sets, the patch is planned flush with the original frame.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2Pv9tGHuU6wX7h8yA1XiuxnZm7xycy2rC1U6ybZ8jOjJuc4fhpcO0_y1pnnsYWEq6zOY7K8dkWt6M7esvmGuOehV85AFusHDLIs-7e57Eaw9Pexh7jbsI4auqAdF0gi56CGMJlvcr9A/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2Pv9tGHuU6wX7h8yA1XiuxnZm7xycy2rC1U6ybZ8jOjJuc4fhpcO0_y1pnnsYWEq6zOY7K8dkWt6M7esvmGuOehV85AFusHDLIs-7e57Eaw9Pexh7jbsI4auqAdF0gi56CGMJlvcr9A/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-drilling for the screws.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This process was repeated several times around the perimeter of the window's frame. Once complete, the crew moved on to the siding. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BxpfBWVYL-vL83I8Td_AlWozHquvt1THu0GwUhiNZjYYQw2DYe9lwlrIdC4yWmIs39Oy-tQM6mAs_k5IpdHcpwHtkFSbhYBmu4Xe6qGEYGJh12qe_Olmm6HkN2UnmJVEk9C9uUyRPCs/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BxpfBWVYL-vL83I8Td_AlWozHquvt1THu0GwUhiNZjYYQw2DYe9lwlrIdC4yWmIs39Oy-tQM6mAs_k5IpdHcpwHtkFSbhYBmu4Xe6qGEYGJh12qe_Olmm6HkN2UnmJVEk9C9uUyRPCs/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork complete. Note the Great Stuff insulating foam in between the planked wall boards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was suggested by the carpenter that while the siding is off, we should fill the gaps between the planks with foam. What an excellent idea. Now, I realize this is not going to be anywhere near as efficient as R15 insulation batting; however, compared to having no insulation versus this sprayed into the one inch cavities to help button up our home, I was all too eager to go out and purchase a whole bunch for the crew. I was told to purchase the blue bottle for windows and doors. This is because, per the carpenter, it was formulated to fill the spaces around windows and doors without making them un-plum. The regular red can applies more pressure to the surfaces it comes into contact with which can cause alignment issues. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrK_E8C_O0g-iI4qlwRG5yrhDoQloh48W8LUMhyphenhyphenCDNFblz3ZdLMZzxXgmWiS9FbiYhDnPGya8rB1hi70JmwZAu10xsobIobc-RtQcoClD6dnLhzW9PkIm8_k8tFAnmPaUKlSVRT6VTUo/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrK_E8C_O0g-iI4qlwRG5yrhDoQloh48W8LUMhyphenhyphenCDNFblz3ZdLMZzxXgmWiS9FbiYhDnPGya8rB1hi70JmwZAu10xsobIobc-RtQcoClD6dnLhzW9PkIm8_k8tFAnmPaUKlSVRT6VTUo/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Stuff, Window and Door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Felt paper is now installed as a secondary wind and rain barrier. It's installed with small siding nails.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu4Q3K1q3bGsJTkJrbxir1ua7Jm8ezSk86qZcPDBL_1JKHsKg3DA3yI2i_LB6XLOeUE6j7aQbTDR3XRc6iOBcn7ZvzrYP7ExLZH6g3RfnjOIXsSCEmx0jcIMVbPVfDesok7FTtNV9fo8/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu4Q3K1q3bGsJTkJrbxir1ua7Jm8ezSk86qZcPDBL_1JKHsKg3DA3yI2i_LB6XLOeUE6j7aQbTDR3XRc6iOBcn7ZvzrYP7ExLZH6g3RfnjOIXsSCEmx0jcIMVbPVfDesok7FTtNV9fo8/s1600/IMG_3056.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt installed overlapping each other.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGP8VOh_L_NodvBy74r0oqPbS3P5qFQ3e1rmla-M4pQhNa66f1R2o_wmRrV-bE2oASuH9vLrhsAIwZnqP3GbfGGaQd0GWgdoF3Cn-dhhKQjErqsn2NRIyWO9l7IovdzjjtrF2FKjsqIc/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGP8VOh_L_NodvBy74r0oqPbS3P5qFQ3e1rmla-M4pQhNa66f1R2o_wmRrV-bE2oASuH9vLrhsAIwZnqP3GbfGGaQd0GWgdoF3Cn-dhhKQjErqsn2NRIyWO9l7IovdzjjtrF2FKjsqIc/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siding nail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Flashing installation is done in the same manner as the "water and ice" except the flashing needs to be scewed into the side of the house.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_2jnOVO7dU1ADwhQopr6-knHEAbVpQZi-KAp0QoBce4XUby0ECRxpI8eAJE0L-WRlPFUqxOVyumZnuKOi_Dk6QUWlH-gW-N0G4xHQ64wAa41NL9XuUHqJyBxt84TGeWeIlqYRU6mQK4/s1600/IMG_3064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_2jnOVO7dU1ADwhQopr6-knHEAbVpQZi-KAp0QoBce4XUby0ECRxpI8eAJE0L-WRlPFUqxOVyumZnuKOi_Dk6QUWlH-gW-N0G4xHQ64wAa41NL9XuUHqJyBxt84TGeWeIlqYRU6mQK4/s1600/IMG_3064.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flashing is installed over the "ice and water" membrane and under the frame's lip. It is secured through the window frame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4Ft7g6z_3PmtgJNQ0rX4a1cazUHuCQOdWdzfTVhahrXVpRT93mJw2h75pNgBfPLsLQ0hAqfAByC9WwV6xviXT-luFjShHKsBgb_6majq2Mr1mcng_HrbqOQzu2JLtsWD0ahoCRtkDcI/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4Ft7g6z_3PmtgJNQ0rX4a1cazUHuCQOdWdzfTVhahrXVpRT93mJw2h75pNgBfPLsLQ0hAqfAByC9WwV6xviXT-luFjShHKsBgb_6majq2Mr1mcng_HrbqOQzu2JLtsWD0ahoCRtkDcI/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flashing is installed similar to the "water and ice" membrane starting at the bottom, overlapping the sides onto the bottom and then the top overlapping the sides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A clear caulk was then used to seal the perimeter of the window.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXmn_TRBAPaIlPLZhsjezFFxBBMjPONZM5-ZxYs-eB78e-GIuNVybf9qF856cFd825o_3oEgVQZsZ_XBfQdcS6OvLDjrXDZbEk-BAdJsYOCDVUUYRtwQcKP8rFvUEHWT8l7E41KPaM6o/s1600/IMG_3067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXmn_TRBAPaIlPLZhsjezFFxBBMjPONZM5-ZxYs-eB78e-GIuNVybf9qF856cFd825o_3oEgVQZsZ_XBfQdcS6OvLDjrXDZbEk-BAdJsYOCDVUUYRtwQcKP8rFvUEHWT8l7E41KPaM6o/s1600/IMG_3067.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear caulk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once caulked, the clapboards were re-installed with new pieces being added where needed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeszgZXy0NAVeLXfCvKjaA5pu5yy0SUeIgZpLvohhWi3ZxLRGFyMuhI_cYOu_JYl9585zFbrJMYdcraT68SZqyA0pyY8lZb7OWxWR6P_xB5RTVAM7vin2DibN-_lnH144-iBdOisbbPY/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeszgZXy0NAVeLXfCvKjaA5pu5yy0SUeIgZpLvohhWi3ZxLRGFyMuhI_cYOu_JYl9585zFbrJMYdcraT68SZqyA0pyY8lZb7OWxWR6P_xB5RTVAM7vin2DibN-_lnH144-iBdOisbbPY/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the next couple of days, this is how the side of my home looked. The work finished within a week with the installation of lead flashing above the window (sorry, I ran out of vacation time, no photos of that installation). The remaining clapboards were replaced and the work was done on the outside. However, in the estimate, Sunderland Period Homes specified rosehead nails for the siding, the carpenter used regular siding nails. It was a deviation that was very disappointing. Upon pointing this oversight to Edward, he ordered the correct nails and had his carpenter install them. His reasoning for not using it was because even though he wrote it down in the estimate, the existing nails in the siding were regular nails so he didn't think that he needed to install the more expensive rosehead nails.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On to the inside...</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5Sx2ZTMDM6PQf7SjGM6i7aVu8vJy7MhY9FQs4K_7nFA6KLbAG6D0lAcDs3pT0sJY8cireRovBK0kmi5Sm_OJ4G3O7rY4uPQOP8r8QbBC0XavX1ibYCH4UzNwS113J3F8GxT5gUttMCA/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5Sx2ZTMDM6PQf7SjGM6i7aVu8vJy7MhY9FQs4K_7nFA6KLbAG6D0lAcDs3pT0sJY8cireRovBK0kmi5Sm_OJ4G3O7rY4uPQOP8r8QbBC0XavX1ibYCH4UzNwS113J3F8GxT5gUttMCA/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior face of the south exterior parlor wall before any repair work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunderland himself worked on the plaster patching. He took a sample of one of the window's trim and had it replicated exactly. He also did the same with the sill. Both of the components were damaged by yours truly in my feeble attempt to "fix" the window.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n0nx0WrlU1sTlTCJbmcEM3gjBn-zxVpChfEuqfelaCp30s_WBX3WsxdwsxFCoNXqID_gK5GDaKsrY2M4M3ClNsggD9D_kU_2X61NpO4D5QejbbsSiQdXQBKDyoPXBZmesSD1hSC3AUg/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n0nx0WrlU1sTlTCJbmcEM3gjBn-zxVpChfEuqfelaCp30s_WBX3WsxdwsxFCoNXqID_gK5GDaKsrY2M4M3ClNsggD9D_kU_2X61NpO4D5QejbbsSiQdXQBKDyoPXBZmesSD1hSC3AUg/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaster placement in progress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Wj8UvEXE43VUB7u8z55S7KQ80K5i5Rdmx7zWIfBZ56FkJaSRbbznEW_M8BNBDnYwcxUpNNAMWAH_KfChsVLOnf8o4oWEDWzxwT9KtA9pwFpgwdBkyriDsl3WjmZTJeoIbZ6F6MBAtM/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Wj8UvEXE43VUB7u8z55S7KQ80K5i5Rdmx7zWIfBZ56FkJaSRbbznEW_M8BNBDnYwcxUpNNAMWAH_KfChsVLOnf8o4oWEDWzxwT9KtA9pwFpgwdBkyriDsl3WjmZTJeoIbZ6F6MBAtM/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaster material used.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHAwSDTYOnFnpMxYSKtsMAZ7iq__F8kPcjcq2qPdz1obG0lkiRHWHi4UY3tJaHODRXYfX3WrwVYNB0jXyelIMntNzjnGU2Fm3cIcxkVa9JNvOsJIJsIop25NzgdGUigN_SlMqkdUrito/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHAwSDTYOnFnpMxYSKtsMAZ7iq__F8kPcjcq2qPdz1obG0lkiRHWHi4UY3tJaHODRXYfX3WrwVYNB0jXyelIMntNzjnGU2Fm3cIcxkVa9JNvOsJIJsIop25NzgdGUigN_SlMqkdUrito/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done. Plaster and trim completed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once Edward and his crew were done, now, it was my turn to fix the cracks in the walls.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XMbbfSbmmiZR-15QUHqmsm5xESbxwBESwzA7NkIrb0974TxHEL6GbqL_VCyPlaA13vTxNXy9C_OxFBMx7C3ZeYdm8eF6Muqq9j73Ls8IAs_i9C3yAXpQmW3rkPT15OjKH8PvbYci7gw/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XMbbfSbmmiZR-15QUHqmsm5xESbxwBESwzA7NkIrb0974TxHEL6GbqL_VCyPlaA13vTxNXy9C_OxFBMx7C3ZeYdm8eF6Muqq9j73Ls8IAs_i9C3yAXpQmW3rkPT15OjKH8PvbYci7gw/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Wally's Plaster Magic, Contractor's Pack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So the total cost for Sunderland Period Homes was: <b>$3,450.00</b> (does not include the Plaster Magic). Pricing included an extra $250 due to there being more plaster repair than Edward had initially thought. I don't yet know how much a 50 pound bag of Structo-Lite costs, but I doubt its anywhere near that price.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This truly was very expensive. I have to admit that towards the end of this project, I lost my temper with Edward. He tended to want to do 'this' and 'that', seemingly pull numbers out of the air and make me feel quite idiotic on a continual basis. He didn't realize that we are not one of his wealthy clients that are restoring their vacation house. This is our home, we live here and we only have so much money to spend. I snapped at him one evening and told him that I just cannot afford him. With his posh attitude, he didn't seem to care and we haven't spoken since.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now with that being said, he was able to stop the window leak, perfectly duplicate the trim and do a decent job of plaster repair. He also did not mind that I was asking questions of his crew most of the time and also did not mind the photographs. Would I hire him again... eh, simply because of the expense, I think I'll shop around next time. At least I was able to get a decent idea of how to seal a window. I thank Chris, the lead carpenter, for being so educational.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Future plans are to prime the exterior surfaces left exposed and continue working on the interior of the parlor myself with paint removal and crack repair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-7924775746248509492014-08-01T20:05:00.000-04:002015-02-26T23:59:06.628-05:00Outdoor Spigot Replacement<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple years ago, upon moving into our home, our outside spigot was removed to allow the installation of a new sill. That same contractor refused to re-install the spigot for one reason or another (see <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2011/11/structural-repairs-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Structural Repairs, Part II</a>). A friend had the right bits to drill me a hole through our new sill. Once complete, he also soldered the copper pipe back into place. Done, right?<br />
<br />
A few months later came time to use the spigot. A surprise awaited me as the spigot was now streaming a leak. I only fear how much water was wasted since I last saw it.<br />
<br />
Easy fixes first. These spigots have a rubber washer under the knob that seals the joint. Likewise, there's also one at the end of all garden hoses. A trip to Walmart got me a cheapo set of rubber washers. I come home excited, took out my pliers and wrench, turned off the supply valve and.... broke the nut holding the old spigot together. I just have no luck. Damn thing had been in the sun too long, been made of cheap metal or perhaps my neutrinos weren't spinning the correct way... whatever the case may be, now it was time to replace the spigot.<br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes, these things just don't go as well as we hope.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> There are two general types of spigots, ones that are threaded on much like a shower head and the other, soldered on. The threaded type are the easiest (obviously). Unscrew the old one with wrenches, clean the threads, wrap plumber's tape and screw on the new spigot. The other type is a bit more complex having a soldered connection which needs to be de-soldered with a torch. Guess which one I have…<br />
<br />
I ventured to my big-box-store to get some needed supplies:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj9m8Ilf1vL4Z9geLS3v9ZrVsHFcsR8KUM1R6HQw6STF27y59Pc7vqb-ZcVhU-Pvi71aYH9UvOJMyCekdp00e_D1_Fn9ylpAf_4rTlCnOGXCHiDCwPXEgek1vbQcEIj1IuLudzxUcReE/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj9m8Ilf1vL4Z9geLS3v9ZrVsHFcsR8KUM1R6HQw6STF27y59Pc7vqb-ZcVhU-Pvi71aYH9UvOJMyCekdp00e_D1_Fn9ylpAf_4rTlCnOGXCHiDCwPXEgek1vbQcEIj1IuLudzxUcReE/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+01.JPG" height="300" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Propane torch</li>
<li>Lockable vice-grip (or pliers)</li>
<li>Non-leaded plumber's solder</li>
<li>Plumber's flux</li>
<li>Pipe cleaner (sandpaper works too)</li>
<li>New spigot (obviously)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Warning: If you are not a "handy person", I suggest hiring someone who is. Changing out a soldered plumbing part is not overly hard, but can become dangerous when you factor in the torch. It may be best to have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7WndLZ4MkI0GD7itIZ5CwjJ5MMjKnc-5o7wGrFwKSfea4C4heM3jOpORzLpvZF1HHsRB5-_mJ66CEleIvpNHfyHcz0Mbr3CZKYgsLoiXpgoY2hLy5KojUrwLcF-XEugl56nayHQ1o5U/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7WndLZ4MkI0GD7itIZ5CwjJ5MMjKnc-5o7wGrFwKSfea4C4heM3jOpORzLpvZF1HHsRB5-_mJ66CEleIvpNHfyHcz0Mbr3CZKYgsLoiXpgoY2hLy5KojUrwLcF-XEugl56nayHQ1o5U/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+02.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Read the directions on the propane torch and get use to turning it on and off. It's imperative that this is done to avoid potential issues later on, such as burning down your house. Do not use the torch around hazardous materials nor in confined spaces (i.e. with no ventilation). Lucky me, my spigot is near my oil tank in the basement with sealed windows... <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Tip:</b> The hottest part of the torch is not the tip of the flame and not the metal tip of the nozzle. It's the area at the 1/3 point from the tip of the flame. Without this knowledge, you'll spend more time waiting to heat the metal than needed and you'll also use more fuel than you have to. <br />
<br />
Once you are comfortable with using a torch, let's move on to the repair.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E7BwFjkt1D9i7lMwnKVu-Q1QmbEL_KatVIVs3cKlpY_KXPBARbgOjCO2Id2iip-gfEzYfNN3_TUqs5w9VpJNgZntfIo1jmbHdMTeXonJPj5WRsRQjGdMvBEBc_oAryipDgIHE3DGHkY/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E7BwFjkt1D9i7lMwnKVu-Q1QmbEL_KatVIVs3cKlpY_KXPBARbgOjCO2Id2iip-gfEzYfNN3_TUqs5w9VpJNgZntfIo1jmbHdMTeXonJPj5WRsRQjGdMvBEBc_oAryipDgIHE3DGHkY/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+06.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b><u>Remove the section of copper pipe from the system.</u></b></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Find the connection couple closest to the spigot. Using the torch, heat the copper connection. Once hot enough, using pliers (not your hand... lesson learned), gently rotate the spigot end of the copper pipe connection. If hot enough and the solder has liquefied, it will rotate and can be pulled a part easily. Depending on the thickness of the copper pipe, and amount of solder used previously, the heating process may take some time.</div>
<br />
<i>What Not To Do</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For my situation, my plumbing is located between the wooden joists, close to the floorboards above. I tried to use a protective barrier to avoid scorching the underside of the floor, need I cause the above-mentioned home fire. I took some aluminum foil as a heat shield. My knowledge of metallurgy is limited so it was a surprise to me when the aluminum became molten and then vaporized. Apparently, aluminum melts quite easily (1,220.58°F) in the heat from a propane torch (3,450°F). So don't use aluminum foil as a heat shield.</div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>De-solder the spigot from the removed copper pipe.</b> </u></span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Same procedure as above. Since our exterior paint is leaded and the old spigot had some paint on it, as a precaution, I made sure I was upwind of any fumes. The de-soldering process heats the copper-spigot connection. I wasn't sure if any leaded paint was present around the spigot but didn't want to risk breathing in vaporized lead.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0vEMJqQ3NokUoogRI-Qb_QFBJyWaNYr4mUl1mkkXmXxdl2_ome9Q-QtIYs4KB30HbxzQlOJEswVYDeEssECpynYPftS8HKgcLvJrn50dQaVftrsF0HIjMx6moEP7ry2HhaClGHKMIpY/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0vEMJqQ3NokUoogRI-Qb_QFBJyWaNYr4mUl1mkkXmXxdl2_ome9Q-QtIYs4KB30HbxzQlOJEswVYDeEssECpynYPftS8HKgcLvJrn50dQaVftrsF0HIjMx6moEP7ry2HhaClGHKMIpY/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+08.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Clean the de-soldered copper pipe.</u></b><br />
Copper tarnishes over time, hence why Lady Liberty is green. For a decent bond, it is best to have a clean (bare metal) surface. Various home stores sell cleaning tools. They look like torture devices, really, with a thick metal wire covered in spiky needles and the other end, a hole with spikes as well. However it appears to you, it's still an abrasive tool to clean off tarnish and light debris from the to-be soldered ends. After cleaning the ends, the surfaces should look like a brand new penny and slightly roughened.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1BO2pXZlLHFxgQG1KOzUXrERLjnLKCHSEIIeTijt_TbZ4Kt2sx3r-ThOJLd_2viBamOWorOX-WIHd2_z8CBI4LeiAhk4ySDM_zjzVvy5sC39LMS1QHzoydeBOJ0_KkOLX_-DPNrOIdQ/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1BO2pXZlLHFxgQG1KOzUXrERLjnLKCHSEIIeTijt_TbZ4Kt2sx3r-ThOJLd_2viBamOWorOX-WIHd2_z8CBI4LeiAhk4ySDM_zjzVvy5sC39LMS1QHzoydeBOJ0_KkOLX_-DPNrOIdQ/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+13.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Apply the Flux.</u></b><br />
Flux looks like a jelly paste. When heated, it sizzles and a vapor is released which should be avoided; something about skull and cross bones being on the label made me assume this. Really though, best used in a VERY well ventilated area. Flux works by "attracting" the molten solder throughout the joint. Using a disposable brush, paint the surfaces that are to come into contact.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp1cS7oxQeuradMs0sVn4wNJalJSwnN5TQ0uwvOfZDlFs5KacKyuP6fwoPu8sljE6Quyw6qlsJntQ9tnZU5sg0isGlLH1ngkD9J7QFVKAKxBnn2JPO6el_L23pWa1dNQursaNcbg4Sw0/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp1cS7oxQeuradMs0sVn4wNJalJSwnN5TQ0uwvOfZDlFs5KacKyuP6fwoPu8sljE6Quyw6qlsJntQ9tnZU5sg0isGlLH1ngkD9J7QFVKAKxBnn2JPO6el_L23pWa1dNQursaNcbg4Sw0/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+11a.jpg" height="239" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Assemble the spigot-copper pipe.</u></b><br />
Simply insert the copper pipe into the spigot. Twist it a little to ensure adequate spread of the flux.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u><b>Solder the connection.</b> </u><br />
It is best to secure the spigot and pipe to free your hands during the soldering process. A clamp or vice should work just fine. I used a bench vice to hold the pipe steady and the flux around the spigot was just enough to make a snug fit while soldering. The connection to the system was a bit more complex since there wasn't a bench to work over. Instead, I jerry-rigged a vice to keep my hands free (see below). Then, I soldered away after applying the flux. Its difficult to take a picture while using the torch for obvious reasons (Safety First!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vCV1WNIy0c_Cu6F55hcAxJQPrrt4-kadUIowl1roCEM752fhQJUt09c79qDBSdgTQP8GAIM8KE5gLFVt86H4-p82TTiRvVjpgpsXM8TFA9kKBhzVyKRTjv4aVXGbZFkX6Dtjvu3C87g/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vCV1WNIy0c_Cu6F55hcAxJQPrrt4-kadUIowl1roCEM752fhQJUt09c79qDBSdgTQP8GAIM8KE5gLFVt86H4-p82TTiRvVjpgpsXM8TFA9kKBhzVyKRTjv4aVXGbZFkX6Dtjvu3C87g/s1600/Solder+Copper+Pipe+Antique+Home+19.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Test the spigot. Turn on the water and make sure nothing is leaking. Turn the spigot on outside for satisfaction. Done.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-23433742844661516472014-07-27T17:39:00.000-04:002014-07-27T17:39:17.079-04:00RRP Rule<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt7YmRf3A_ppKmeqXPDbXmFNo5yrEtvXZfGMBCsv713VSmV0UCIBDjy8OohELhw6BV9OflGbxcnEUppM2WO36IYMBeaB7WyGvZR2BeoinCY909xI7A2QUP1_SJkYql9dJdzM_aN9Y9P8/s1600/Lead+RRP+Rule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVt7YmRf3A_ppKmeqXPDbXmFNo5yrEtvXZfGMBCsv713VSmV0UCIBDjy8OohELhw6BV9OflGbxcnEUppM2WO36IYMBeaB7WyGvZR2BeoinCY909xI7A2QUP1_SJkYql9dJdzM_aN9Y9P8/s1600/Lead+RRP+Rule.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a>After the scares with leaded paint, my wife felt that it was prudent to have me take a class in lead safety, just so that I know the current standards in protecting our family from lead dust. Doing research online, I came across many classes meant for contractors at varying costs. Some were a week long program for heavy lead abatement (think Hollywood style HAZMAT/alien invasion with plastic rooms and space suit-like attire). I was not about to spend a week's worth of vacation time to sit in a HAZMAT training class. Instead, I came across a one day class that, since 2010, has been a requirement for persons to either earn a contractor's license or receive a permit in certain towns. This one day class is for the RRP certification, or Renovation, Repair and Painting Program. The one day class instructs contractors on how to identify potential projects where lead may be present, how to test for lead, how to inform the customer of the presence of lead, how to prepare the area being worked on to avoid the spread of leaded dust, how to protect yourself and, lastly, how to clean the work area. The information is provided by the EPA and is taught by EPA certified companies. Some states run their own program directly, like Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In Connecticut, the regulations are set by the Federal government (based out of Boston, go figure?)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After having taken the course this past June, I reflected on the two separate contractors that have worked on our home. Only one of them have actually followed the RRP rules. The crew that did (seen <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2011/11/structural-repairs-part-ii.html" target="_blank">here</a>), did preparatory work by the book. The other, more recent contractor (seen here), did nothing; even after being told that there was lead present.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The RRP class is one vacation day and around $200. You're certified for 5 years and a refresher course (4 hours long) is required every 5 years to maintain the certification. The class was hosted by Fuss and O'Neil, an engineering company in Manchester, CT. They, specifically, charged $190 (2014) for the class and provided lunch. The information is public information as it is from the EPA. Below, I have listed out the procedures that one must take when dealing with a leaded project. These are the rules as stipulated by the EPA for a contractor to follow. For the rules of a home owner, scroll to the end...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Upon arrival to the project, ask the owner when the home was built. If they tell you it was built prior to 1978, test for lead. If they don't know, test for lead. If it was built on or after January 1, 1978, it magically doesn't have lead and the RRP rules no longer apply; you may commence work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Test for lead using EPA approved test kits (seen <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/08/lead-poisoning.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2012/08/lead-testing.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Document the areas tested and record the results. If negative, RRP rules no longer apply. If positive, inform the homeowner and provide them with a government sourced brochure regarding lead risks to children (<a href="http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/lead/pdf/renovaterightbrochure.pdf" target="_blank">Renovate Right</a>). Within 30 days of the completion of the project, a copy of the results are to be submitted to the homeowner. The homeowner is now fully aware that there is leaded paint present.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Purchase:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6-mil thick plastic sheets (100 feet x 10-foot roll is roughly $60 at Home Depot)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Contractor trash bags (again, Home Depot, 3-mill thick 42 gallon bags, 50 count for $26)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HEPA <i>certified</i> shop vacuum (no, not a vacuum with a HEPA filter, that doesn't count!, Amazon, $250+)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Swifter wet mops (cheapest functional)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Swifter dry mops (cheapest functional)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Duct-Tape (extra wide painter's tape is more safe for floors)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An empty spray bottle (for water wash downs)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Protective coveralls, hooded, and booties (roughly $10, per laborer per day)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sticky pads (120 sheets for $100). </div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4a. If working on a leaded exterior, protect the ground with 6-mil thick plastic sheets a <i>minimum</i> of 10 feet from the building, 20+ feet when at the second floor. A contractor is suppose to use their judgement beyond 10-20 feet, where working on a third floor, for example, may cause leaded dust to fall beyond 20 feet from the house. The edge closest to the building should be duct-taped to the exterior to ensure no gaps. Cover any wall openings, i.e. windows and doors in the immediate area with the plastic and duct-tape. The plastic on the ground is to drape over all landscaping, including bushes and vegetable gardens. Ensure that the sheets are weighed down and never work in windy conditions. At the end of each day, use the HEPA vacuum to remove all contaminants that fell on the plastic. The plastic sheet can be re-used, so long as it is cleaned daily, kept in good condition and not transported around the building. Do not remove the plastic while having contaminated material on it, a risk of the debris falling out and contaminating the ground exists.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4b. If working on a leaded interior, protect the floor 6 feet from the surface being worked on. Cover all openings with plastic and duct tape. Turn OFF any force air A/C or heating system and cover with plastic and duct tape any vent openings in the area. Access to the room can be made by cutting the sealed plastic at one doorway straight down the center. A flap is then installed (black contractor's trash bag, cut along seams works perfect) and double hung from the door frame. Place a sticky mat at the entrance to allow removal of any dust from the feet upon exiting. Clean up at the end of each day using the HEPA certified vacuum. Vacuum yourself before you leave then dispose of any coveralls used in a contractor's trash bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Commence work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Upon completion, clean up is required. Always work from the top down. HEPA Vac the entire room. Then, using the spray bottle, wet the ceiling surfaces and wipe clean with a white cloth. Keep wetting and wiping until the white cloth remains mostly white. Then go to the walls and work your way to the floor. Once complete, carefully remove the plastic on the doorways, windows and vents and gently roll the plastic from the floor ensuring not to disturb any potential dust remaining on it. Throw them and all the used cloths into the contractor's trash bag. Use the wet swiffer to mop the bare floors until the white swiffer mop is no longer picking up dirt (still white after being used). Focus on a 20 square foot area at a time. The room should be cleaner than when you arrived. Seal all used contractor bags using a gooseneck closure. Dispose of in a hazmat container. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Retest for lead.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a homeowner, RRP rules do not apply (go figure?). A homeowner can dispose of leaded waste, in their municipal trash, up to 30 cubic yards! That's insane, but legal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are little details here and there that are discussed in the class, but the critical issues are:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Information</b> - be knowledgeable of what you are dealing with.</div>
<b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Test</b> - test, test, test.</div>
</b><b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Protection</b> - ensure your family (including the furry type) is safe.</div>
</b><b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Clean</b> - make sure you wipe down EVERY surface.</div>
</b><b><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Disposal</b> - throw the leaded material, wipes, plastic, etc. out in accordance with the law.</div>
</b></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More information can be gained from the EPA: <a href="http://www2.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program" target="_blank">EPA.Gov - Renovation Repair and Painting Rule</a>.</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-63259491762299862772014-05-31T10:05:00.001-04:002014-05-31T10:05:12.492-04:004-Poster Bed<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since moving into our historic home, so much time has been spent on the physical structure that very little has been devoted to furnishing it (we still have a couple empty rooms). Our bedroom has a hand-me-down dresser from a college friend that is packed full of our necessities, a solitary night stand from a recycling yard and a metal bed frame sourced from Craigslist. Rather sparse for a modern bedroom yet my wife has been content (at least that's what I thought).</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After two-plus years, my wife had enough. Her birthday was arriving and when I asked for her preference, instead of the usual textile items, she blurts out FURNITURE! My wife's wish for her birthday was a piece of furniture for our bedroom. Having looked through sample sales of period furniture, she gave me a limit of $3,000 (as my wife and I share approval in our expenses, we do not make purchases without the other's approval). She said that it was time we got something and whatever it was, it had to be for our bedroom. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We sat there each night scouring EBay and other sites for authentic period pieces. For decent period pieces, even at our limit, it was just a little out of reach. Not to mention fears of potential leaded paint and, along the same lines, protecting an $8,000 dresser from a hyper toddler. We decided to shy away from true antiques.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We moved on to our bed frame. A year or so prior, our bed and box spring sat directly on the floor. It was a habit from our former days of apartment living when buying furniture for a year-long rental wasn't needed. Also, our cat loved clawing the underside of the box spring (even climbing inside). Then, however, our cat matured and as being on the floor invited spiders crawling over us at night (ew), we purchased a basic metal frame and elevated our bed away from the arachnids. Now, it was time to have a formal bed frame, no more low-rider beds in cahoots with spiders and manic cats. It's time for a mommy and daddy bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$3,000 is a lot of money for most people (it's a lot of money for us as well). I realize that we do not live centuries in the past, but I would like to stay true to the appearance of the past and there is an associated cost with that level of quality. There really isn't any sense in owning an 18th century American home and filling it with modern Japanese art (like our previous owner). In my opinion, for a home that a person owns, their furniture should compliment it.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a prior post, I commented on D.R. Dimes. Though beautiful furniture, their pricing was just out of reach. So I searched online through various vendors for reproduction furniture. I came across quite a few and many having the same prices close to D.R. Dimes or of mass produced varieties that just look too "modern" for our home. I finally came across a furniture maker who's pricing is much less than that of D.R. Dimes, but still of a quality equal to the of the famous maker.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Out in Lancaster County, PA, is a furniture maker with an impressive inventory of reproduction pieces. Their site, <a href="http://www.greatwindsorchairs.com/index.htm" target="_blank">GreatWindsorChairs.com</a>, shows off their collection of period pieces for every room of a historic home. They are not IKEA-like furniture with particle board components. Like with many things, authenticity and quality do not come from low-cost chains. I ventured to their site, found their bedroom furniture and noted a little highlighted blurb about discounts being available. I submitted a questionnaire through their site and soon received a call... that's when I met Michael Rice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Michael was patient with me. I was flopping back and forth with choosing between the available tiger maple or cherry wood construction (trivial: both were the same price, another differential from D.R. Dimes). In the end, I settled on the tiger maple with a canopy shipped to my living room. Pricing was great. Michael described to me that the discount applied to their current inventory only and returns were not possible. They had a tiger maple king size canopy bed in stock at 10% off their regular pricing. Shipping was through an outside delivery service for an extra fee. All together, $2,990.50 was charged to my credit card. Within two weeks, the bed was in my home and I came in under our budget.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It took roughly 2 hours to assemble as each part was nicely wrapped heavily in bubble-wrap. Unwrapping the parts was time consuming. Once all exposed, assembly went quickly. It's easier with two people (per the directions), but with the other able-bodied person caring for our little one, this was a one-person job. Besides, it was her birthday...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIIqFsJftGRQKZ1oxL4_jN3sTojDNr1m6-27uV1jbeUR0cEB9aHBbvvuy7lNbhSY1CU6_wyFymQ3xoB8C9diHceqd7RBWKB9OT29Um96R_wXcDp-_OWcD5yFD7fadn_Q41Z8Mpg4RVFw/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIIqFsJftGRQKZ1oxL4_jN3sTojDNr1m6-27uV1jbeUR0cEB9aHBbvvuy7lNbhSY1CU6_wyFymQ3xoB8C9diHceqd7RBWKB9OT29Um96R_wXcDp-_OWcD5yFD7fadn_Q41Z8Mpg4RVFw/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
All the parts came wrapped in bubble wrap, held together with tape.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl5i6xDAupxKyCCbmBa_cM1MdvsessboGeN2PF1veKIGQGTCOvch_b8LIjqTei2r8P5yETNsDx6kKtd6-EJ_F09rXAYNfl4icGTuDSo8L4_pztdW5PQVkrDj1B8s9SIt2oYznUmxu7To/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl5i6xDAupxKyCCbmBa_cM1MdvsessboGeN2PF1veKIGQGTCOvch_b8LIjqTei2r8P5yETNsDx6kKtd6-EJ_F09rXAYNfl4icGTuDSo8L4_pztdW5PQVkrDj1B8s9SIt2oYznUmxu7To/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Each bundle was labeled making it easier to grab the right part during assembly, eliminating the guess work.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuZPjR8tt9npJKxDtmDQ_PiwJVQjDjv59lBGlJaBVMbyGVCbaiKZY5QRe2lxN4zHWWhO9mATAMfHu6UDuATliu_Q9poWr9LGbXBD3XngxdEL60z8EWoRGPNPkB-R8AzHjkpMnH8gi4t0/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuZPjR8tt9npJKxDtmDQ_PiwJVQjDjv59lBGlJaBVMbyGVCbaiKZY5QRe2lxN4zHWWhO9mATAMfHu6UDuATliu_Q9poWr9LGbXBD3XngxdEL60z8EWoRGPNPkB-R8AzHjkpMnH8gi4t0/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25284%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Unwrapped headboard and corner posts. I used the bubble wrap as padding.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1-6fmxHj0hpYkbFE0mxsVN__7Scoxod8BK94UbQ_H_26mUVQbtRckbx6Sq-fUx5bTHPn-HDe96uV00Mr9PKEZmjm6TCs6i6i3AIBeAM4IOp-ib3KHcmJQBP8G1m31zgMNDJTgwrGVZQ/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1-6fmxHj0hpYkbFE0mxsVN__7Scoxod8BK94UbQ_H_26mUVQbtRckbx6Sq-fUx5bTHPn-HDe96uV00Mr9PKEZmjm6TCs6i6i3AIBeAM4IOp-ib3KHcmJQBP8G1m31zgMNDJTgwrGVZQ/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25283%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Bolts that secure the posts to the rails. They came with a tool to aide in installation.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVWrt27AoxtdkQbRPkM-vV80Ofphl0c3Pq24U3ZckiW3yWOZ3MXwIGO2fx2wS_xLBPF9jiWi7IoN3iul_zBPpmqrNXbvKVQoPepUGVBPzvH9AV3KH5fMpmEe2z-3fv0noM5-RRFj2KTE/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVWrt27AoxtdkQbRPkM-vV80Ofphl0c3Pq24U3ZckiW3yWOZ3MXwIGO2fx2wS_xLBPF9jiWi7IoN3iul_zBPpmqrNXbvKVQoPepUGVBPzvH9AV3KH5fMpmEe2z-3fv0noM5-RRFj2KTE/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25285%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Final assembly of the parts. I had to use books to support the rails during the "two-person" stage while attaching the bolts.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdesCZM4-6bSaZzSu40lhzZCI1QnrLgML_r8UpzIDxgXYiSmKbcKSEdHdoZr8eqjBTlGuubVlO0R2N2GYpuQMNznhM0Tt-KEYveauqQqZSYSM6zBEh8GuBSlmSp7mSQ5tNtC1G3Tg3j70/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdesCZM4-6bSaZzSu40lhzZCI1QnrLgML_r8UpzIDxgXYiSmKbcKSEdHdoZr8eqjBTlGuubVlO0R2N2GYpuQMNznhM0Tt-KEYveauqQqZSYSM6zBEh8GuBSlmSp7mSQ5tNtC1G3Tg3j70/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%25286%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
The partially assembled bed. I couldn't place the canopy on top because the finials that attach the bars are too tall for our room.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being in an old home with (plus or minus) 7-foot ceilings, a four poster bed with 7'-4" posts was not going to fit. Discussing the height issue with Michael, I learned that the finials can be easily trimmed. They are basically a decorative peg about 6 to 8 inches in height that support the canopy. No screws, no bolts; just a solid piece of maple, turned on a lathe. I measured the clearance that the finial needed for installation above the canopy. It's simply the length of the peg from the bottom of the finial. That distance was measured on the top of the finial. I drilled a hole into a price of squared scrap wood to hold the finial. I then used a miter hand saw to cut off just enough from the finials to fit our ceilings. The final appearance is more sedate than the original form, I actually like it better.</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvLcwm85C6gYo8hNG3L0pKV1g7HXXN4ogQxOrCFpREZdxHyQm6simDSKIgfdJUyXeVxDiXvMjc3aC53aS-eX7NFJZqhpPeShEs92RyHmjk7tEIBghJZGZ9O-yFbwiktFZZLFNCmWUGek/s1600/GreatWindsorChairs+Finials+four+poster+canopy+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvLcwm85C6gYo8hNG3L0pKV1g7HXXN4ogQxOrCFpREZdxHyQm6simDSKIgfdJUyXeVxDiXvMjc3aC53aS-eX7NFJZqhpPeShEs92RyHmjk7tEIBghJZGZ9O-yFbwiktFZZLFNCmWUGek/s1600/GreatWindsorChairs+Finials+four+poster+canopy+cut.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Removing the top of the maple finial using a common hand miter saw.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35grTNXlxIaw__a04n2wyDK8U2lFXX3L5LI5i3VC9Vqts_Ev66KQJcSo6Pilaor_mKi3YMGWSlySTda72RpgzyWNvhhwLJnqux_lvP-JIOrlOpDRjXsa2cWLVYmy92RvdSHwnS8fjqUs/s1600/GreatWindsorChairs+Finials+four+poster+canopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35grTNXlxIaw__a04n2wyDK8U2lFXX3L5LI5i3VC9Vqts_Ev66KQJcSo6Pilaor_mKi3YMGWSlySTda72RpgzyWNvhhwLJnqux_lvP-JIOrlOpDRjXsa2cWLVYmy92RvdSHwnS8fjqUs/s1600/GreatWindsorChairs+Finials+four+poster+canopy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
A cut finial compared to it's former size. The removed top allows just enough room for the installation and it's appearance actually looks quite attractive.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am very pleased with the bed frame from Great Windsor Chairs. The quality is impressive. It is solid maple and the "tiger" finish is absolutely gorgeous. The bed as a whole is not 100% hand-made. It's a hybrid of machine and hand tooling. Considering the much greater expense with a completely hand made piece (and with a toddler around), I'm OK with a hybrid approach to the construction. Having said that, what really is quite exciting are the details that a lay-person may over look. On the flat surfaces such as the head board and even the canopy frame are the tool marks from the hand plane used to flatten the components! I realize that reads a bit dorky, but those "imperfections" just add to the quality of this piece. It truly is an heirloom to pass down and money well spent. It also satisfied my wife. Take a look at some of the details below:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4JWQTe9ykrblYwA-S3thf7SCCX3_B5-4ZEfs1wow61U-LAvlgdOUfjnIKXx1XDTTWKtRWF6TovdzuQSVE6afAB7B0Rk9fAntUyvL1pZvaX4md1GKU6VAONaUi6Tbh_doJimmEtX_E38/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4JWQTe9ykrblYwA-S3thf7SCCX3_B5-4ZEfs1wow61U-LAvlgdOUfjnIKXx1XDTTWKtRWF6TovdzuQSVE6afAB7B0Rk9fAntUyvL1pZvaX4md1GKU6VAONaUi6Tbh_doJimmEtX_E38/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252818%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Photographing very fine details in wood is harder than I thought. The light has to be just right to reflect the undulations for the camera lens to capture. Above, the bottom bar of the canopy support show the marks left by the hand plane. Simply awesome.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMdvhaxgBOGV1Y62xrx_3rjDkvOAFZ3DOyzp54vCddx3EEW3gWk4IbfZzWXLfcY-je5JxqEijlzvC1gZzUFiD7QEKcbjgrJkC-EzrMr2ztFOGLEwJTJwNndLKVQMKnqVAaiHyPBQV9M4/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252813%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMdvhaxgBOGV1Y62xrx_3rjDkvOAFZ3DOyzp54vCddx3EEW3gWk4IbfZzWXLfcY-je5JxqEijlzvC1gZzUFiD7QEKcbjgrJkC-EzrMr2ztFOGLEwJTJwNndLKVQMKnqVAaiHyPBQV9M4/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252813%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Finial installed a top a corner post with canopy bars. I think it looks great!</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIPohd-QCPiDq0_w8tsFEB4ywE5eXlrQS3XOaJHo3O9IX9jpoP-LotnLdCrW0dtQH0sXwRfmY_6zrXX_MrAr2IGnu1VCU_8iZIl_nTYAOmTIKMIddVI5lMSw_q1KQ2GNmp3-tV6yLsAw/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIPohd-QCPiDq0_w8tsFEB4ywE5eXlrQS3XOaJHo3O9IX9jpoP-LotnLdCrW0dtQH0sXwRfmY_6zrXX_MrAr2IGnu1VCU_8iZIl_nTYAOmTIKMIddVI5lMSw_q1KQ2GNmp3-tV6yLsAw/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252814%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Ear detail of the corner post.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibf5y8VIqYC_gSTh0_gU4q3g3Ot5nvyOVVsqR9WzDOaOz57zvY0g1qJ010GoGnkOXd4WDoNkaKqiaYsPCg9vginP9VJnSqSMITwJrWu9nFeZsRFDrtog7zSlx_ZwaDtUS9MKftCKobV0g/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibf5y8VIqYC_gSTh0_gU4q3g3Ot5nvyOVVsqR9WzDOaOz57zvY0g1qJ010GoGnkOXd4WDoNkaKqiaYsPCg9vginP9VJnSqSMITwJrWu9nFeZsRFDrtog7zSlx_ZwaDtUS9MKftCKobV0g/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252815%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Bolt cover detail. Some manufacturers offer metal covers for an added expense, these were included and pre-installed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCErCitek4wJOPEuVx_kCElXdYjouNQyWLznZk5k4q4MWUwWBrl4_ok4EggMaBFWYJoPvXISF9b3o5zm5psiVLHgsyTTJ5CvHQQLQqqCU0Yx6cIktekRDoYjcZ0EVvrSa7DZsXDDc_hk/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCErCitek4wJOPEuVx_kCElXdYjouNQyWLznZk5k4q4MWUwWBrl4_ok4EggMaBFWYJoPvXISF9b3o5zm5psiVLHgsyTTJ5CvHQQLQqqCU0Yx6cIktekRDoYjcZ0EVvrSa7DZsXDDc_hk/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252816%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Rope hole detail. For an added touch of authenticity, a large diameter rope can be added to mimic a rope bed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHep_DKqOLerwgoykwUWYBlJlxGGp0bH61vwPFH98G1aXFiC96_8B0NQfQUbFYimBslv9qhzBLrAbqA_wOuvv948Nw5wc8QiMTQmmcVSfHugxDdGm_RIVG9AuicHo7aYICxbLjGkkqVA/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHep_DKqOLerwgoykwUWYBlJlxGGp0bH61vwPFH98G1aXFiC96_8B0NQfQUbFYimBslv9qhzBLrAbqA_wOuvv948Nw5wc8QiMTQmmcVSfHugxDdGm_RIVG9AuicHo7aYICxbLjGkkqVA/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252817%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Headboard closeup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianY-s8JS_PcXNI13qFoabgVQMQZTKySiL9dJ37IrOZYEMxmpuIOQDO7wagDZvE86R3VvkuPXoEAXgXbKjc0owHnibpRJamgFr-6H37XrxRLNbrZqlFnjXtTeIFsXcyYxkEBkY_lSfKNc/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianY-s8JS_PcXNI13qFoabgVQMQZTKySiL9dJ37IrOZYEMxmpuIOQDO7wagDZvE86R3VvkuPXoEAXgXbKjc0owHnibpRJamgFr-6H37XrxRLNbrZqlFnjXtTeIFsXcyYxkEBkY_lSfKNc/s1600/GreatWindsorChair+King+Four+Poster+Bed+Canopy+%252812%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
The king size canopy bed from <a href="http://greatwindsorchairs.com/">GreatWindsorChairs.com</a>. With the cost of the bed being what it was, there was no more room left in the budget for a quilted colonial blanket.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disclaimer: I have not been reimbursed by Great Windsor Chairs, nor by Michael, for writing this entry. I have received a 10% discount which is readily available to any consumer when Great Windsor Chairs advertises a sale.</div>
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-48521207698140717032014-04-20T09:47:00.000-04:002014-07-27T17:56:14.774-04:00Parlor Renovation, Part II - Window Sashes<div style="text-align: justify;">
A continuation from <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/12/parlor-renovation-part-1.html" target="_blank">Parlor Renovation, Part I</a>. <br />
<br />
It was agreed that I would strip the window sashes to save on cost in preparation for the work to be done to our southern parlor window. It was a simple task (isn't it always?). I purchased paint stripper, a scraper, a dust suite and a lead vapor rated painter's mask. I setup my area in the driveway placing a disposable plastic tarp on the pavement, two horses atop and dawned my space suite attire. I retrieved the sashes from the back porch and while carrying them to my work area, one of the rails loosened and nearly fell off. Well, there goes stripping them...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turns out, the bottom rail on one of the sashes was rotted at the joint and had come loose. My tail between my legs, I called Sunderland and requested his opinion. He felt that it was an easy fix of a job costing roughly $300. As usual, I wanted to make sure I was getting the best price. After he explained what that cost entailed (replacing the bottom rail and re-glazing the three bottom panes). I told him to never mind the whole window altogether and simply focus on repairing the rot and water issue with the frame. I sought to replace the window sashes outright.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.carolinesly.com/contact_files/image004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.carolinesly.com/contact_files/image004.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I searched online and came across Caroline Sly of Ashfield, MA. She is a one-woman shop and claims to make windows by hand (among other wooden assemblies including stringed musical instruments) and after contacting her, she offered to stop by and show a sample of her work. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prior to her arrival, we exchanged emails. We spoke of early expectations and I learned just how affordable she is. As my readers will recall, I always say that money is a matter of perspective, so what does affordable mean? Well, if Sunderland Period Homes was willing to repair my one lousy reproduction window sash from the 1960's for $300 plus another $400 to weatherstrip with vinyl/plastic strips both sashes; Mrs. Sly was hand-making TWO sashes, with antique glass from the 19th century and weatherstripping of a similar nature for $425 (un-painted). $700 to repair one reproduction versus $425 for a new period reproduction. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll take your silence as a nod of approval. She's a godsend when dealing with a constant barrage of high prices. Mind you that pieces from Mrs. Sly are a custom one, so what may be of one charge for my home, could be different for yours (meaning, you should contact her for specific applications). Here is her site: <a href="http://www.carolinesly.com/archprice.htm" target="_blank">www.CarolineSly.com</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Her work speaks for itself. Is it perfect, no. Is it affordable? For us, yes. There are little issues I have with her work, details that would annoy me tremendously if Sunderland had done it, especially with his level of pricing. She gave her opinion with details and listened to our desires. It took her a week to create the pair of sashes, glaze them and deliver them to our home. The glazing was still pliable when she dropped them off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was hesitant on informing Mr. Sunderland of my purchase. After all, he is working on our home and has the means and methods of creating windows. I would not want to offend him by taking business away. I tried to keep things simple and simply asked that we did not install the weatherstripping on the old sashes and that I'll deal with them later. <br />
<br />
But Mr. Sunderland kept on badgering me about the window, that it needs to be repaired or it will not function correctly, etc. He was right, of course, yet, his pricing is just out of reach for my sanity. In the end, I relented and confessed the real reason for foregoing the repair of the old sash. Once my secret plan came to light, Mr. Sunderland really didn't say much. He didn't seem to mind at that time and I invited him to examine the new sashes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunderland Period Homes strives for perfection in the details, at least that's the impression. So, it wasn't until several weeks later that Mr. Sunderland felt compelled to give his full opinion of the sashes. He examined the window and began pointing out all the inconsistencies in workmanship as well as the structural integrity of the window. He said that the rebates for the glass were too shallow and that the panes of glass would fall out in time. He added that the sashes were over tightened while being assembled which warped the sash. He continued on for a short while, honestly aggravating me quite a bit. I cannot afford to have Mr. Sunderland do as he pleases on my dime. I'm not a wealthy person, I'm simply a family man paying my bills with an interest in historic homes. So, with whatever little extra income we have goes towards our home. If the expense is too great, something has to give. I'm not a bottomless pit...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In retrospect (and I'm not an expert) I find it a bit hard to believe that a joiner from the 18th century would have made such perfect sashes by hand with wood sourced from one's backyard that would've passed Mr. Sunderland's critique. It's been a while since that discussion and I am still annoyed by it. I'm sure he's also annoyed at me for telling him that he's just too damn expensive for us, literally.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These sashes may not be perfect, but you be the judge. Do they live up to your expectations? Here are some closeups as they looked when Sunderland saw them:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h3ZyoKuTv52Gd2r96EVKHeYBs1UOq1BAWRa20hHc9UNV_Tt7Lz3vcg-dZjAiRVnWU0_BmJ4RfqocFRLS3V0eQhSXvSsVImq-Tep4ghUUTEdyfuFdIyQrcR9QvhPSaT1kYBGYsLpFMJE/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h3ZyoKuTv52Gd2r96EVKHeYBs1UOq1BAWRa20hHc9UNV_Tt7Lz3vcg-dZjAiRVnWU0_BmJ4RfqocFRLS3V0eQhSXvSsVImq-Tep4ghUUTEdyfuFdIyQrcR9QvhPSaT1kYBGYsLpFMJE/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFs6WJdUHy10vq6hx4TnEYFQizKwGnsp8Xvrlni34lsNu-ggxrWabScg536CSV5c3OczWBIrQutyOG8jeMPGP-SrZoumoNYj1xQtTB8yv_h3HGdQwnblnKd0OKimUaT8ucD1RfLPT7Us/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFs6WJdUHy10vq6hx4TnEYFQizKwGnsp8Xvrlni34lsNu-ggxrWabScg536CSV5c3OczWBIrQutyOG8jeMPGP-SrZoumoNYj1xQtTB8yv_h3HGdQwnblnKd0OKimUaT8ucD1RfLPT7Us/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvPcrFOA6WqQfWAXQ0IBuo0AFpf41tnkp6Ed1LtvLj_KwMTbqiD_AgZCVmfu0a5N_0OJjb8EG0GuqEHbVeHjS6UByO8zl3ry3q8UlyoiAKOQxhs5nU6VEQXVc7Vbkc-kVYiM_9TgeBEw/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvPcrFOA6WqQfWAXQ0IBuo0AFpf41tnkp6Ed1LtvLj_KwMTbqiD_AgZCVmfu0a5N_0OJjb8EG0GuqEHbVeHjS6UByO8zl3ry3q8UlyoiAKOQxhs5nU6VEQXVc7Vbkc-kVYiM_9TgeBEw/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK5pRA_vl51Qm_JmNmxGtE2CNS64C-RmT_TPMecQnOlmdovlI46exovVQX-fPlrLP-Pj7HF8G9hatz8PFG_7E0QcOJUsND5LAUFg05_nrTUIB-jZfGUCfg-Q83CvRDZ3lieK5BLS8geY/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK5pRA_vl51Qm_JmNmxGtE2CNS64C-RmT_TPMecQnOlmdovlI46exovVQX-fPlrLP-Pj7HF8G9hatz8PFG_7E0QcOJUsND5LAUFg05_nrTUIB-jZfGUCfg-Q83CvRDZ3lieK5BLS8geY/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIvE0GJ459xuVk6x-Hb-wTEy1YRekVamq14Cr8RoFu4FhITHDlezT7VvhE2er68bhsYdZ271_QGtr5Ks_dmZ2RDMDQtATY1YS8BSXgon9ui7g9pkI0-mD34N04m-yqYOQO3eNKuhYugA/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIvE0GJ459xuVk6x-Hb-wTEy1YRekVamq14Cr8RoFu4FhITHDlezT7VvhE2er68bhsYdZ271_QGtr5Ks_dmZ2RDMDQtATY1YS8BSXgon9ui7g9pkI0-mD34N04m-yqYOQO3eNKuhYugA/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqeEGTsNl_r9JwrGSpvEf-OEi6UA_9TIkylZm96eU3sd7_y4HWKVkdwq56NhDY3lhBtLCWW_lNet1NOaQGoJwdCBV-wCZSXsfzE_Bqf3LR1ooMTBz1P-c-ef6PNIGvlgSS5BNsqFK02Y/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqeEGTsNl_r9JwrGSpvEf-OEi6UA_9TIkylZm96eU3sd7_y4HWKVkdwq56NhDY3lhBtLCWW_lNet1NOaQGoJwdCBV-wCZSXsfzE_Bqf3LR1ooMTBz1P-c-ef6PNIGvlgSS5BNsqFK02Y/s1600/Sash+Closeup+12+over+12+-+6.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The left sash is as Mrs. Sly delivered it, fingerprints and smudges from the glazing process present (so what?). The right sash was cleaned and prepped for painting. I think I am satisfied. <br />
<br />
Mrs. Sly is due to come back to install the weatherstripping and fitment within our frame. As of this posting, our agonizingly slow repair is as a result of yours truly having other priorities (a.k.a. LIFE) getting in the way. As an update can be made, I'll post it up.<br />
<br />
UPDATE:<br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Miscommunication, one of the most annoying things in life. Between the window sash ordering, scheduling, dealing with Sunderland Period Homes, the lead problems; I must've misunderstood Mrs. Sly when she and I discussed installation. She was unable to install the window sashes due to age (70+ years to her credit). So I sit here completely beside myself since the promised windows were delivered without weatherstipping pending installation (hence my assumption of her installing them). Well at least the price of the window, as is, is still more affordable than a repaired replica.</span></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-42343275411223489042014-02-05T16:30:00.000-05:002014-02-05T16:30:01.132-05:00Dining Room Area Rug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW831VABxcja-I0-XSYWXadWgu8SPlhs-CKfABDWHCAcqpxHjbE36RrKhmMhVwFQ6E6VFpqLYPMr6b2_Q1P8PhmUHDXwC0Di0H8ZhEuAoYldGHTPkcCBWSnE32M7tub4kRlZvHThwVTM/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW831VABxcja-I0-XSYWXadWgu8SPlhs-CKfABDWHCAcqpxHjbE36RrKhmMhVwFQ6E6VFpqLYPMr6b2_Q1P8PhmUHDXwC0Di0H8ZhEuAoYldGHTPkcCBWSnE32M7tub4kRlZvHThwVTM/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic+(4).jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
With our parlor currently being renovated (very slowly), and there is only one other way to get to the back of our home, our dinning room is getting quite a bit of foot traffic. I've become concerned that our old floor is being beaten more than required. On top of that, our toddler has been running around the room playing and wrestling. My mind goes crazy the level of damage that can be done to these unprotected pine floors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My wife and I have been on the lookout for rugs locally and from various other online sources. I came across the "souvenir" shop at Colonial Williamsburg and found the Leaf Green Garden Maze area rug (seen <a href="http://www.williamsburgmarketplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductView?catalogId=12122&storeId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=27613&parentCategoryId=25666&start=1&end=12&sortBy=featured&priceRange=" target="_blank">here</a>). We liked the look of it and as it was designed based upon a sample from Colonial Williamsburg's archive is a major plus. The manufacturer is Capel Rugs and is constructed of 100% Olefin. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know what you're thinking. What is Olefin? I had no idea until I looked it up. It's a synthetically made fiber that has several advantages. It is abrasion and fade resistant and also resists water & mold. Hence why this rug can be used both indoors and outdoors. Cleaning up is much easier than on a "normal" carpet but I can imagine that fluids would pass through it much more quickly than other materials. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcQ9tb-1w-Gni4FF486Pw3PYg0J_gPcQfffXsnI-d28rB35aD9s46SFBlEn6M2ACK91WS8pT1d0It4OMMkFwYuvBdjyB-SHETj2y_O8BhDpN1qq-RUJKmQnke0sMKl8SiUgePdIeliXo/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcQ9tb-1w-Gni4FF486Pw3PYg0J_gPcQfffXsnI-d28rB35aD9s46SFBlEn6M2ACK91WS8pT1d0It4OMMkFwYuvBdjyB-SHETj2y_O8BhDpN1qq-RUJKmQnke0sMKl8SiUgePdIeliXo/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic+(3).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
An important note on historic rugs. From my understanding (which is limited), rugs were of two types in the 18th century, if used at all. There was the braided type in ovals and circles and then there was the canvas from sails. Sails were woven canvases of hemp or flax sheets. Obviously, Olefin would never have been found in an 18th century home (it was invented in the 1950's). It's woven appearance is similar to a thick canvas, like a sail. Texture-wise, it takes some getting used to but with it having the appearance of a sail-like material, it fits well with our home's historic details. Also, there is no pile, just a flat non-fuzzy canvas.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGzzEgFdjX1WtfHvO0qbSgUGtaU2KkoV6djv3r_QynORCO6BpfWEg6yNqwp-POlaH1LeRA8S45Wcfwt7B0hwa_3EsRhha541HpQ1yx8tt2tOX25semJ8SEfpaNsctfmIYhNuPMo4p3To/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGzzEgFdjX1WtfHvO0qbSgUGtaU2KkoV6djv3r_QynORCO6BpfWEg6yNqwp-POlaH1LeRA8S45Wcfwt7B0hwa_3EsRhha541HpQ1yx8tt2tOX25semJ8SEfpaNsctfmIYhNuPMo4p3To/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic+(2).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
The internet is full of various prices for the same exact item. I searched and searched and found this source: <a href="http://www.brickhouserugcenter.com/product/4699250" target="_blank">Brick House Rug Center</a>. The shipping was free and took less than a week from their warehouse to CT. It came wrapped in a thick plastic sleeve, but was compressed during shipping/storage and has ripples from the folds. In time, these should flatten out. The rug came with a cleaner from the manufacturer as well as a non-slip pad (needed as this rug is slippery on a wooden floor). <br />
<br />
And one last bit, the coloring from the seller's site, as well as that of the manufacturer show more green tones. The carpet I received seems much lighter being a mixture of green and white. I'm not sure why, with exception to computer screen coloring. Maybe there was an error in shipment/manufacturing or perhaps this is what it is. Below is a comparison with the coloring of our pine floors. The difference is not too far off to make us cringe but is a bit of a let down.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjza4gQkeuhiZIxQncIb7PLauZwKu8ViNMR_RCvCeA2tHOLdWB0R97vVZ4S-jKenBxkh_mFawIAoWpkh4Isxki08S9MA-5v6QQObMwLhdMSHgW2nTAr8MByCzzRW_0lFOTn0daxPcfLvJo/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjza4gQkeuhiZIxQncIb7PLauZwKu8ViNMR_RCvCeA2tHOLdWB0R97vVZ4S-jKenBxkh_mFawIAoWpkh4Isxki08S9MA-5v6QQObMwLhdMSHgW2nTAr8MByCzzRW_0lFOTn0daxPcfLvJo/s1600/Williamsburg+area+rug+carpel+finesse+garden+maze+historic.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_2076598054"></span><span id="goog_2076598055"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-15843580268672530002013-12-25T14:02:00.000-05:002014-04-20T09:55:03.691-04:00Parlor Renovation, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-style: italic;">August 4, 2012...</b><br />
<br />
"OK! I know it looks bad, but it looks worse than it really is. I swear!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's the only thing I could say to my wife when she came into the parlor. It's only a hole in the wall, right? A frown, and the look of "what did you do now" was the kindest of greetings one could receive...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/p/the-parlor.html" target="_blank">survey</a> of our parlor, a rubber-cement glued wallpaper could be seen hiding the water damage plaster underneath (thanks to the previous owner). As I peeled away the God-awful wallpaper, I opened a can of worms....the wallpaper was holding together the damaged plaster underneath. In my unknowing nature at that time, the "loosened" plaster fell out and I had continued to remove what I had thought was damaged plaster resulting in a gaping hole in our exterior wall.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_mpNPOUGX94lsii1mz9PwypCujXlvXex16EbDU3i5tZ5X3vO7xAdaqYX9Xb6LPj9CQqvlxGlGLW_ZpRwSvbhYc3uEaOgLNCMepNv-nwkRV1rUlU4JTMq33H3R0m0qV4wFPNowusW8ww/s1600/Parlor+Wood+Window+Plaster+Water+Damaged+Repair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_mpNPOUGX94lsii1mz9PwypCujXlvXex16EbDU3i5tZ5X3vO7xAdaqYX9Xb6LPj9CQqvlxGlGLW_ZpRwSvbhYc3uEaOgLNCMepNv-nwkRV1rUlU4JTMq33H3R0m0qV4wFPNowusW8ww/s640/Parlor+Wood+Window+Plaster+Water+Damaged+Repair.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before , left: Rubber cemented (and painted) wallpaper. After, right: Wallpaper removed, punky plaster exposed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wallpaper removed, "loose" plaster gone (lathe saved) and the window trim removed (some damaged), I found myself dug deep into a pit. My knowledge was limited, my hopes high. I wanted to do the work myself, pride took the better of me. I continued to knock "loose" the surrounding plaster away. In the end, I was left with an annoyed wife and crushed pride. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs13olLTIEdysyTqfTb0Da_HKmvH0Ab4KCZipql09BrtV1oNKof1vi4kzRrqSSSlvilzgMJwkpOb1hVBYapBF0jAntLX4UvDFA1ozOIlYG_uU1Sx6acuFhv1Tqt8-JuVjbo8WV7rSmrE/s1600/Parlor+Wood+Window+Plaster+Water+Damaged+Repair+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs13olLTIEdysyTqfTb0Da_HKmvH0Ab4KCZipql09BrtV1oNKof1vi4kzRrqSSSlvilzgMJwkpOb1hVBYapBF0jAntLX4UvDFA1ozOIlYG_uU1Sx6acuFhv1Tqt8-JuVjbo8WV7rSmrE/s1600/Parlor+Wood+Window+Plaster+Water+Damaged+Repair+(3).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More wallpaper being removed, wetted areas are now visible below the window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without the knowledge to repair my deeds, the wall sat there for the remainder of the summer, fall, winter, spring... yes yes, and then summer. I must have sub-consciously buried the plan to have it fixed for each time I said out loud to my wife that I am busy and can't do this or that right now, she would interject and say, "Like the hole in the wall?" It was painful to have to be reminded of my error or lack of ability.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5e4mx4RWpOh0WTDKCLoH-U9iR5k5wlt0AqIZtix9zLBH6F2U3MWtv6v-fh_J10eA0ccsVjbuNYHbl9pSCXh6auJ_9lNOwr5FvuLN0no26vKsrh-SIqTXtZX28izNuVz5Dx5JjtxQq3k/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5e4mx4RWpOh0WTDKCLoH-U9iR5k5wlt0AqIZtix9zLBH6F2U3MWtv6v-fh_J10eA0ccsVjbuNYHbl9pSCXh6auJ_9lNOwr5FvuLN0no26vKsrh-SIqTXtZX28izNuVz5Dx5JjtxQq3k/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I removed the wall paper entirely, along with the two sashes, sill, molding and punky plaster. Notice the solid piece of wood at the window sill height that is where the original chair rail would have been.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-style: italic;">August, 2013...</b><br />
<br />
I had a plan (in my head). I needed to learn how to do repairs on my own home yet books only showed vague interpretations of other jobs but I am a visual and hands-on person. My plan was to contact Mr. Sunderland of Sunderland Period Homes. I had the idea that since he's employed several talented persons, perhaps I could hire but one to show me how. I wanted to learn how to do this and that and thought that perhaps I could "rent" one of his carpenters or plasters for a day to show me the ropes. An email was sent off.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBobOKXfSX2FzzPn5DF3nmDWfsh4JV-MELyMxbv8PSvoBaJ-0dr9B-Sero7Z0MpluOBeIGQ0p7vs4xmKK9fBy1rhEdd5W4QkHyO_BgCfvPvvAr9DKlO7NZdUO7wOkJKTo1rPVE8tSKqfY/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBobOKXfSX2FzzPn5DF3nmDWfsh4JV-MELyMxbv8PSvoBaJ-0dr9B-Sero7Z0MpluOBeIGQ0p7vs4xmKK9fBy1rhEdd5W4QkHyO_BgCfvPvvAr9DKlO7NZdUO7wOkJKTo1rPVE8tSKqfY/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the southeast corner of the home towards the west. The window is just west of our coffin door. Notice the slight bump that is just below the window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0o5bjaincA1UmVnsX7Vqu8V_kQMeHZR6SsIXEPlCbuFKFayj1DUgSDih3SYI5ITNS1ik4sDfscM9gpzY389GwDqVwL_AcD9uIcolbZ05Bf67w8_JaHKrdioQYcJqch3AXCEOZDMMMIA/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0o5bjaincA1UmVnsX7Vqu8V_kQMeHZR6SsIXEPlCbuFKFayj1DUgSDih3SYI5ITNS1ik4sDfscM9gpzY389GwDqVwL_AcD9uIcolbZ05Bf67w8_JaHKrdioQYcJqch3AXCEOZDMMMIA/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South exterior wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexC6soyOhm4mHvV4SDzgE2ADC-dyXbgFuCf-fpnpxOUecK9BVpH9qoavkNG2ri1jq3HiZMi_ytKKqjIQNLrp2p7irBCZO9PlkBekrpbC3PMLeLdURTeYtb4xy3stDszH58qz_Fm83dNM/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexC6soyOhm4mHvV4SDzgE2ADC-dyXbgFuCf-fpnpxOUecK9BVpH9qoavkNG2ri1jq3HiZMi_ytKKqjIQNLrp2p7irBCZO9PlkBekrpbC3PMLeLdURTeYtb4xy3stDszH58qz_Fm83dNM/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South exterior wall, window and coffin door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mr. Sunderland was confused by my questions and request. He asked to come over and I can surmise that his trip was to evaluate a future job as oppose to a learning experience for the home owner. We spoke of several topics while he was at our home including making our coffin door functional, adding a chair rail, siding, identifying a possible structural issue below the window... oh, and yes, the window and plaster mess yours truly created. The idea of instruction was thrown out the window very quickly as Mr. Sunderland was too confused (perhaps on purpose) to follow. So, we discussed how he would repair the window and bring it to new (along with the aforementioned items). As I walked Mr. Sunderland to his car, we discussed a budget. After pricing out how much a new window was from a few sources, to include the sashes and frame, (minus installation) I figured that a repair for such a window would surely not cost anywhere near the estimated $2,000 for the uninstalled package. Considering our finances, my wife and I decided that $2,000 seemed a reasonable maximum amount to repair that plaster wall, reset the window sashes and stop the water leak. Mr. Sunderland nodded as if he understood, yet said that it may be a bit more. It was a one hour chat and an email to follow within the week that blew my mind, and not in a good way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbh_gdZgSiIS96L7Oajz9CysAXFw5FmnM6tttO4cpqMLKHiRbs7XvH8-OkVSBBU9eW_a3WmpLYulPOSnsKA6deeMXXVLf-Wf5HmPdzexrBdEB09ul6FArQyupQbb8vMTn1TLYbP3lpY0/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbh_gdZgSiIS96L7Oajz9CysAXFw5FmnM6tttO4cpqMLKHiRbs7XvH8-OkVSBBU9eW_a3WmpLYulPOSnsKA6deeMXXVLf-Wf5HmPdzexrBdEB09ul6FArQyupQbb8vMTn1TLYbP3lpY0/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here was the estimated total (are you ready for a jaw drop?): <b>$6,800.00</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>My</i> mouth dropped open, I even imagine a bit of saliva dribbled out as I was dumb struck. My wife had to cover my child's ears as, in my delirium, extraordinarily colorful words expelled from my drooling mouth to such extent that my opinion of Mr. Sunderland dropped dramatically.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I emailed/called Sunderland Period Homes to explain to me why it would cost nearly $7,000 to fix a leaky window and patch the plaster? Here was his response, in layman's terms:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$2,600 is for the chair rail restoration. The rail had been removed by a previous owner and replacing it would bring the room back to an original appearance. The cost included the materials and labor which involved scribing the wood chair rail to match the uneven plaster wall along three walls (the fourth being paneled). <i>I'll pass on a scribed chair rail, saving myself 30% of the estimate upfront.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
$600 is for removing paint from the existing reproduction sashes on one window. <i>Ah, thanks, but I'll spend a few hours over a weekend doing that myself...</i></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">$400 is for weatherstripping the two existing reproduction sashes. </span><i style="text-align: justify;">What?! It costs less than a dollar a foot to purchase! There's no way that labor could be that expensive!</i><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">$3,200 is for (quoted from the estimate):</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<ol>
<li>Flash the header window with lead.</li>
<li>Attach wood lathe properly under the window.</li>
<li>Plaster over existing lathe.</li>
<li>Re-install sash and window trim.</li>
<li>Remove exterior storm window.</li>
<li>Strip paint from exterior window frame.</li>
<li>Restore shape of exterior sill.</li>
<li>Remove siding at left, right and beneath window to assess condition of sheathing.</li>
<li>Install new 30 lb. tar paper around and under window.</li>
<li>Install "ice and water" for water proofing around window.</li>
<li>Caulk edges around window frame and re-install siding with rosehead nails.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition to the above items, he wrote up an estimate for "custom made interior storm windows" to replace the exterior aluminum units currently installed, restore the clapboard siding and restore the coffin door. The other estimates combined grossed around $46,000. All I wanted was to stop the water leak, but at least I can see where Mr. Sunderland's pricing is in other aspects.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I bit the bullet. I signed a contract with Sunderland Period Homes for the $3,200 + (and yes, plus the outrageous $400 for weatherstripping). I must seem insane to you, honestly though, I have a reason. After asking for references, I spoke with a few of his former and current clients. They all shared one answer. He is insanely expensive, but he gets the job done right once. This gave me an idea. I figured, if I am paying an excessive amount of money for this small job, why not be present, mentally record what would be done and, replicate it on the other 20+ windows that need some sort of repair. The work will be done for me and I'll be educated in how it's being done by a qualified crew.</div>
<br />
My readers, when the job is complete, and time allows, look for a how-to for waterproofing and restoring a leaking 250+ year old window and frame (to be updated in 2014).<br />
<br />
Side note (but important): After the fiasco with my son's lead levels, I decided to take a sample of the underlying paint from our parlor's newly exposed surfaces. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0f-EpLGXWSQ05xSl8TEz5QWPJX715KOpotZs_s7AdsvBZSxmh2bzp3JAwvYXPxl1OuFGXnkMUuKW4uXi2-DD291HmWEfWWNUkeIGDSPhwHNcYNj_u7q8RlPr8qy7IyExp7fjj-zIbtA/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0f-EpLGXWSQ05xSl8TEz5QWPJX715KOpotZs_s7AdsvBZSxmh2bzp3JAwvYXPxl1OuFGXnkMUuKW4uXi2-DD291HmWEfWWNUkeIGDSPhwHNcYNj_u7q8RlPr8qy7IyExp7fjj-zIbtA/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D-Lead test samples.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The test came back negative. It is assumed that while removing wallpaper, I had inadvertently released this trace amount of lead into the air. I can rule out this room as being a cause for the lead in my son's system. See this post: <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/08/lead-poisoning.html" target="_blank">Lead Poisoning</a>, for the full story regarding lead issues.<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-4070459303557875352013-10-06T14:40:00.000-04:002013-10-06T20:38:51.508-04:00Rice Cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iu0WohIDhfzCIBPM2vGZEUAmoSobDeGb8wszZsebiUxfqEtA5wxloXRfuVHBGh8ErPtJRJFaq9sYBPhDhecbVn5UYLWATa6LZ1vXrL3-CzNHVNF5NDXk8t4eL-F8JEIxFSLN_3q0-yA/s1600/Mouse+Hunt+Rice+Cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iu0WohIDhfzCIBPM2vGZEUAmoSobDeGb8wszZsebiUxfqEtA5wxloXRfuVHBGh8ErPtJRJFaq9sYBPhDhecbVn5UYLWATa6LZ1vXrL3-CzNHVNF5NDXk8t4eL-F8JEIxFSLN_3q0-yA/s400/Mouse+Hunt+Rice+Cakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They're delectable, aren't they? Unwrap the plastic bag, pull out this wafer of Styrofoam, take in a sniff of that caramel or that artificial sea salt scent and savor the texture and feeling of eating a rice cake. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, most of us don't really do that. In fact, if you were like me, you'd rather reach for any other treat besides flavored rice cakes... unless your a ravenous mouse intent on being an organic flotation device.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, they've returned. These pesky rodents just love an old home and rice cakes. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Having had rats as pets in high school, my wife (OK, me too) is (are) hesitant on ridding our home of mice using poisons, especially with one and a half children running around. So, instead, we purchased a mouse trap that takes care of the deed and seals itself upon contact. No mess, just throw the whole container out. Much better than the "instant" (as in instant death) chocolate milk-like powdered bags filled with poison that our predecessor left for us to find. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past month, while entertaining our son, a whiff of death emanated from the floor boards. The smell was similar to one of my first posts where a rather large carcass of a mouse (perhaps mouse-rat hybrid) was stuck under the bathroom vanity (<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-is-that-smell.html" target="_blank">What is that Smell?</a>). The whiff was so putrid that being downwind was enough to make me seek it out. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I ventured into the basement, trying to sniff out the tell-tale scent. No luck. There was no trace of the scent, there was a dried dead mouse, yes, but the strong pungent smell of death was only present in the keeping room above, not in the basement. After throwing out the dried fuzzy-wuzzy, I brainstormed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My next thought was that the putrid relative of the dried fiend was trapped in the insulation, much like those discovered previously (<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2011/10/surprise-in-insulation.html" target="_blank">Surprise in the Insulation</a>). I went at it (again). I took down the insulation that I had replaced. To my dismay, bay after bay of secure insulation was ripped down in search of that deathly critter. Again, no luck! After taking down all the insulation, there was no sign of it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I returned back to the main part of our home, itchy as all hell, with no discovery to report. So we sat there, in the keeping room, on our couch, smelling rotting flesh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy2s6WqPQVxAnQXweXIM3NIbZbtd8es4rCFsgmnlrm3kKEZbCKYWe0D5WOPIun7np038ivzIzNczf2v39dg9S8mEiTodXOiE-9cyChU0ChZ1mKRljLcl7KqMJHsBV2CGFyg_TV704Yxc/s1600/Mouse+Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy2s6WqPQVxAnQXweXIM3NIbZbtd8es4rCFsgmnlrm3kKEZbCKYWe0D5WOPIun7np038ivzIzNczf2v39dg9S8mEiTodXOiE-9cyChU0ChZ1mKRljLcl7KqMJHsBV2CGFyg_TV704Yxc/s400/Mouse+Hunt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, it occurred to me. Could it be possible that a mouse was lurking on the ground floor, crawled into the couch, got stuck, and died?! Oh how nasty! Just the thought was making me want to vomit, not to mention, throw out our nearly new couches. I tore apart the couch. The smell was there, but not. It kept coming and going. I gutted the couch cushions. Every last bit of polyester stuffing was gone. Once the couch looked like a deflated balloon, I thought, I would find something, the smell was just that strong. I used a shopping bag wrapped around my hand as a precaution. Here's what I found:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A big fat NOTHING!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We could still smell that putrid scent. At least its not from the basement or the couch. The wall, however, had the strongest smell. The wall directly behind the couch, the only wall to have the original windows still in place. I followed the scent but there was nothing under the baseboard, outside the window or in the window. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a couple weeks and the smell is long gone. The corpse was never found. I doubt the critter awoke like a zombie and left searching for it's next meal. My best guess is that the rodent was hiding somewhere in the foundation sill when it died. Either just under the clapboards on the outside or in one of the baseboard plumbing chases that were drilled through from the basement side. I guess the only comfort is that the smell is gone, for now.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then come the noises. Oh, you thought I was done? No, there are now noises. Behind the keeping room's fireplace paneling last night, we heard a scurrying. Yes, a fat mouse had gotten wedged as it was climbing the bricks behind the paneling. I was able to peer behind the panel but was unable to see anything so I assume he's now relaxing somewhere above. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0bcxquVr7GHDqet6NsT0_k3vdiOJc1ctu7DHrDknLwm_BJdS7xe-uSX4pE_cmPkxUz-JstEPNN2KxWT85Fr2oMUmkHwSw9a7tGRL0sHo2N2uV8NeuyBXv5j3LPW6J4HndYhmeM7kaQw/s1600/Mouse+Hunt+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0bcxquVr7GHDqet6NsT0_k3vdiOJc1ctu7DHrDknLwm_BJdS7xe-uSX4pE_cmPkxUz-JstEPNN2KxWT85Fr2oMUmkHwSw9a7tGRL0sHo2N2uV8NeuyBXv5j3LPW6J4HndYhmeM7kaQw/s400/Mouse+Hunt+1.JPG" width="400" /></a>Also, at night, while sleeping, sometimes, we hear the furry beast munching on a nut over our heads. The attic, much like the floor above the keeping room is hollow. The floors are roughly eight inches plus in depth, a playground for these guys. I fear that I may have to pull up all the floor boards in the attic, search out any openings up there, put in new un-compressed insulation and reseal. Then, the same thing for the basement. I should also go around the perimeter of the home and find any other openings. I'd really hate to start putting out poison...</div>
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-655607255005274902013-08-13T22:49:00.000-04:002013-08-14T10:29:03.399-04:00NightshadeWe've all been taught at some point to be wary of wild berries. Boy/Girl Scouts teach the basics of wildnerness caution. Parents who are aware of such things do so as well. But what if your nature experience is limited, never having becoming one with earth? Despite the commercials showing Wild Berry Passion as the flavor of the moment, there's nothing flavorful about poison berries. <br>
<br>
Several months ago, in glee, my wife and I planted grape vines purchased from a local discount grocery chain. A few weeks ago, my wife spots grapes growing for the first time. She becomes quite excited and shares a photo of the newly formed grape to her social media network. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjKz0XGuI8aGpAhRTuUamzgmsDsKL_ivEYVwRbOO3hKk3CGIee8grZp5xZKJ6FHL7DF6-xouwIAMPS1QI1R_ADa_hGXLmOpxloOIPrykzJ2uTK0Oi4ywkMdwYVPtnIu1Yd1XJEVpSS_k/s1600/Black+Nightshade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjKz0XGuI8aGpAhRTuUamzgmsDsKL_ivEYVwRbOO3hKk3CGIee8grZp5xZKJ6FHL7DF6-xouwIAMPS1QI1R_ADa_hGXLmOpxloOIPrykzJ2uTK0Oi4ywkMdwYVPtnIu1Yd1XJEVpSS_k/s640/Black+Nightshade.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
While waiting for our little grapes to ripen, my wife noticed that these "grapes" looked funny. She accidentally knocked a branch off and tried to save it by placing it in a glass in our kitchen. <br>
<br>
Looking closely at the orbs, she searched online for immature grapes with nothing looking like these solid green balls. Eventually, she realized that this plant is not part of the grapevine where she found it, but instead a part of a deadly poisonous weed called Nightshade.<br>
<br>
It's "berries" are jambed full of tiny seeds, one plant can produce 80,000 seeds! The seed pods and leaves are poisonous. Some "herbal people" harvest them fort their "medicinal" properties. As we're not shamans, we've plucked out as many as we could after discovering their true identity. They were growing next to the vines of our grape plants so hence my wife's confusion. In fact, they were found next to our back door, around our rose bushes, by the coffin door and randomly throughout the perimeter of our backyard.<div><br></div><div>I curse the previous owner for being so lax with her yard maintenance: free growing poison ivy/oak/sumac and poisionous nightshade should be against the law. They all spread easily and, with a ripened nightshade looking like small berries in reds and dark blues (green, unrippened), they appeal to children. With my little guy sticking whatever he can into his mouth to taste, you can imagine our fear with having him in our back yard.</div><div><br></div><div>Nightshade, specifically Black Nightshade, causes these symptoms:</div><div><br></div><div>Your mouth dries up and your pupils dilate. You get diarrhea and vomiting along with obvious stomach pains. Your pulse either sky rockets or plunges and some people go into shock. Your breathing slows as well. Next, you get a fever and start to hallucinate (hence the "medicinal" property). Your hands go numb, you get a headache; worse yet, some go paralyzed. Oh, and your whole body sweats.</div><div><br></div><div>Sounds great, doesn't it?</div><div><br></div><div>Good news is, these plants are pulled out easily. Their roots are shallow, wear gloves as a precaution, grab the base of the stem and pull it out. It may even be better to place a plastic bag over it so that none of the seeds fall off. Place the plant directly into a covered trash can to ensure the least amount of exposure to others and thrwart birds seeding the yard. Thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.</div><div><br></div><div>I went a step further and warned my immediate neighbors. They have a child and dogs. And for my pet chicken owners, Nightshade seems to cause irritation in very small quantities but most chickens seem to know to stay away. But, in large quantities, it can cause eventual death.</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-37235408462907632992013-08-13T22:21:00.001-04:002016-02-18T11:13:53.312-05:00Lead Poisoning<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My son, a walking, talking little bundle of joy reached his first birthday on June 27. The following week, we visited our pediatrician for his first annual check up. It was at this time that a lead test was given for daycare and perhaps per state regulations. A finger prick was all it took for the screening. A reading of 5.4 micro grams per deciliter was found. The fact that anything came back was a shock since we had thought there wasn't any lead in our home. With a reading of 5.4 mg/dL, we began to panic.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNo9QytMcuZqZX5umOsDIj7JZhczPj5h2dhLhCgnNWT2A2UuWwuyvDGHLncbiLWPYtPf25lk4kQxZM6RdBbEMmOibHab0J1elVPS85HkrhC4ib5jTdIN5jACVxieUOO073OJThbZfDcg/s1600/Liam+at+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNo9QytMcuZqZX5umOsDIj7JZhczPj5h2dhLhCgnNWT2A2UuWwuyvDGHLncbiLWPYtPf25lk4kQxZM6RdBbEMmOibHab0J1elVPS85HkrhC4ib5jTdIN5jACVxieUOO073OJThbZfDcg/s1600/Liam+at+Park.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had a "level of concern" for any child under the age of 6 years who's blood lead level (BLL) was above 10 mg/dL. In 2012, that level was reduced to 5 mg/dL. A full blood test was ordered for our little man the following Monday. A couple days later, the results were in. His actual BLL was at 11 mg/dL. The doctor actually apologized to us because she said she would have to inform the State. We had no idea what that meant. Could it mean that the State will come and take our child away? Are we horrible parents for wanting to live in an old house? Could we go to jail for child endangerment?</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRo1jqq1XPcg8aask8NGOESqwc-FJO8Jpb8uBSDEO9xJ4GIQySySzGU4EJklkDIlfJTc7u20HNgWuYN37VfR81xEJoMc68H3cvXiDmWRbAGxq6-twEITcL6A80g8QbV858QDF2y1fx9Y/s1600/Liam+and+Mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRo1jqq1XPcg8aask8NGOESqwc-FJO8Jpb8uBSDEO9xJ4GIQySySzGU4EJklkDIlfJTc7u20HNgWuYN37VfR81xEJoMc68H3cvXiDmWRbAGxq6-twEITcL6A80g8QbV858QDF2y1fx9Y/s1600/Liam+and+Mommy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While waiting for "something" to happen, we went out and purchased over $100 worth of additional lead test kits to locate any source we could. We purchased the following:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/LeadCheck-Instant-Test-Swabs-2-Pack-LC-2SDC/203313743#.Ue16JaHD_IU" target="_blank">3M's LeadCheck Instant Test Swabs</a> $9.97 for 2 test pack (times 3).</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-D-Lead-Paint-Test-Kit-EKLP64000/202754551#.Ue16o6HD_IU" target="_blank">Klean Strip's D-Lead Paint Test Kit</a> $28.97 for 6 test pack (times 2).</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/PRO-LAB-1-oz-Do-It-Yourself-Lead-Surface-Test-Kit-LS104/100117326#.Ue16yaHD_IU" target="_blank">PRO-LAB Lead Surface Test Kit</a> $9.98 for 6 test pack.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-LT1-Premium-Lead/dp/B000FSOYSQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1374520379&sr=1-2&keywords=lead+test+kit+water" target="_blank">First Alert's Premium Water Lead Test</a> $10.67 for 1 test pack.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-32-oz-D-Lead-Paint-Surface-Cleaner-QKLC64200/202702241#.Ue2Ep6HD_IU" target="_blank">Klean Strip's D-Lead Paint Surface Cleaner</a> $6.97 for a 32 oz. bottle.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to find every trace of lead that I could find. With the above tests, however, the following was discovered:</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPuYua9n7y4eFVGfBOih6UvX7mbisgP784oimoGpIJjU7Xkf2XOya3aLHJ-_AU6tLvO3hQqhf1mHMwBKRY5OAJDgfMgy2TqPa-q1uCcXjckrpeScnQub2Wp_sBGUguTzS46PTjALrcxA/s1600/LeadCheck+Positive+Result.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPuYua9n7y4eFVGfBOih6UvX7mbisgP784oimoGpIJjU7Xkf2XOya3aLHJ-_AU6tLvO3hQqhf1mHMwBKRY5OAJDgfMgy2TqPa-q1uCcXjckrpeScnQub2Wp_sBGUguTzS46PTjALrcxA/s320/LeadCheck+Positive+Result.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj7A69lYOQ4CksFbCGQ3m5tZJw8pWH9JeW3H0rjhIOgAXrj964aJ7HwX_ATcdcK9hdHWHPZURLaF5YspNG9LSoAvp_CgtYcyxoO16vk_077PLq2iosgC87wPl_FS5z0PurE9oU6FBpWw/s1600/Leaded+Light+Fixture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj7A69lYOQ4CksFbCGQ3m5tZJw8pWH9JeW3H0rjhIOgAXrj964aJ7HwX_ATcdcK9hdHWHPZURLaF5YspNG9LSoAvp_CgtYcyxoO16vk_077PLq2iosgC87wPl_FS5z0PurE9oU6FBpWw/s320/Leaded+Light+Fixture.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>The keeping room was tested extensively. It was the main room where our son spent the majority of his time. The walls, ceiling, floor nails and random splats of paint came back negative. I used the D-Lead Paint tester for all painted surfaces. I then used the LeadCheck sticks for random spots. I didn't have enough for everything, but I tested what I could with those. The only light fixture in the room was tested, and boy did it come back positive. Some of the black painted surfaces had chipped away and exposed the tin underneath. The theory was, since the light was located in the direct path of the A/C, dust either on the lamp or being blown by it, becomes leaded and rains to the floor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made it a priority to remove that light. A run to my local big box store was made, purchased a lead-free replacement and exchanged the two. I removed the old light by first gently wrapping it in a plastic bag, unscrewed the decorative plate from the ceiling, detached one wire at a time placing a nut on it for safety relocated it to the porch should the State require it for any reason. I then used the D-Lead cleaner to wipe down the ceiling and floor beneath just in case.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The replacement light was installed rather easily and actually doesn't look that bad. It even has the ability to point up or down; currently it's pointing up for maximum light.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As noted in a previous post (<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2012/08/lead-testing.html" target="_blank">Lead Testing</a>), our exterior paint is leaded. The interior was not, as far as I could tell at that time. I traveled around the house, this time, taking more samples using the above swabs and sticks. The original hardware in the home, i.e. door latches, came back positive for trace amounts of lead. The HL hinges as well. A lamp in our old kitchen, highly positive. Who would've thought?</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVxm8zx5frzH0Ri0XAbUm4Gs5wHGrA8wQ8qS3DG2gXhtKpOgij6jwjtjfTa34G7-Pywg8GWB5Nx1uti2fpqXBLjqJLgKcfLJG4l3tK5UM1ZQfQOaUZu9bTpn0RDvUU0WlXsPkTnY7g_A/s1600/Leaded+bagged+light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVxm8zx5frzH0Ri0XAbUm4Gs5wHGrA8wQ8qS3DG2gXhtKpOgij6jwjtjfTa34G7-Pywg8GWB5Nx1uti2fpqXBLjqJLgKcfLJG4l3tK5UM1ZQfQOaUZu9bTpn0RDvUU0WlXsPkTnY7g_A/s320/Leaded+bagged+light.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Concerned, I started calling many agencies, offices, and contractors. I knew that lead abatement is not cheap but learned that there are programs that can assist a home owner. That was my goal: finding assistance in locating the source and eliminating it.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I Googled lead testing companies. These hired groups use a hand held scanner called an XRF device that can scan down through 36 layers of paint, locate lead and calculate the concentration. I received estimates from $800 to $1,200 to scan my home plus the cost of additional types of tests like dust swabs.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4WUlNPslcSiYlC3DwpUzpUwW34maV695McqwDFTLAShndH_SPlY3L9HJPQQHuEtsJkbPFbpuKxefdOiZVi8E5Zr8Ek9t-D4sE9qbLIdCku2AuxSSMZo7queOT8R5JVE2mo_DY33UTXY/s1600/Leaded+lamp+replacement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4WUlNPslcSiYlC3DwpUzpUwW34maV695McqwDFTLAShndH_SPlY3L9HJPQQHuEtsJkbPFbpuKxefdOiZVi8E5Zr8Ek9t-D4sE9qbLIdCku2AuxSSMZo7queOT8R5JVE2mo_DY33UTXY/s320/Leaded+lamp+replacement.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One company, a prospective lead inspector, mentioned a financial assistance program existed at the Connecticut Children's Hospital called <a href="http://www.connecticutchildrens.org/community-child-health/lampp-green-healthy-homes-project/" target="_blank">LAMPP</a>. He had suggested that I try contacting LAMPP since he'll get their business anyway and perhaps because he can charge the full rate as opposed to an individual rate for me. I did not care what went on behind the scenes, we were worried for our son but if the scanning can be done for free, why not? ... So I thought.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
LAMPP is a grant based assistance funded by HUD for lead abatement. Being a grant, our out-of-pocket expense would have been minimized or none at all, according to the inspector.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I became quite excited. I called the LAMPP program director but no answer. I called another number and left a message and I waited for a call back...</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, I received a call from a doctor at the Connecticut Children's Hospital. She was called by our pediatrician to help answer our questions since this particular doctor was an expert in lead poisoning. Our conversation was long and we learned that the majority of lead was found in the form of dust, not paint chips. She told us to stop vacuuming as it may spread the leaded dust around and to wet mop our floors weekly. Every weekend now we use a wet swifter mop to wet mop our 200+ year old floors. I mentioned the LAMPP program to the doctor on the phone. She personally knew the director and said she'll have him contact me. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within 10 minutes, he called.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The director had plenty of knowledge of his program, as he should. He essentially said that I do not qualify for assistance as I did not match the majority of the eligibility criteria:</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Have a child under the age of six<i>. </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Check!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AND</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. The home would have to be built before 1978. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Double Check!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AND</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. The home is located in a pre-approved <a href="http://www.connecticutchildrens.org/community-child-health/lampp-green-healthy-homes-project/eligibility-requirements/" target="_blank">city/town</a>. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>My town is not listed.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AND</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. For a family of three, the combined income must be less than $58,500 ($65,000 for a family of four).<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I guess I'm too rich?</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AND/OR</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Have a child on Medicaid. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>He's not and we're also not on welfare.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OR, IGNORE ALL THE ABOVE AND:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Be in Section 8 housing, earning a combined maximum income of $38,500 for a family of three. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>See Nos. 4 and 5.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Needless to say, I wasted days of research and phone calling for nothing. I am too "rich", located in a "prosperous neighborhood", able to afford our own health insurance and own our own home without any government assistance. I pay into the system so that other's can take advantage of it...</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>HOWEVER....</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My wife was able to get somewhere with the State's Health Department. We were directed to our town's own "Registered Sanitarian". Honestly, I thought I was communicating with a licensed garbage man? I never thought such a title ever existed.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I contacted this "Sanitarian" thinking that perhaps, since he's from our town, we may be able to find assistance for abatement (this ended up being a mistake). He requested a copy of our son's blood lead levels and wanted to conduct a walk through with his supervisor. Great, we thought! We're making progress. Perhaps we can get a grant to get rid of all the lead!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They came, and pointed out the gaps in our floors. They started to explain lead dust and that a packet of sugar sized lead dust is enough to cause permanent brain damage. Imagine my wife's dismay... They added that we should purchase an EPA certified HEPA vacuum (around $500). And were warning us that official testing for lead could lead to unintended consequences. <i>What does that mean?</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our parlor is in the midst of repair with damaged plaster and a window off it's frame (it's an ongoing project that I'll have to elaborate in a later post). They saw the window framing exposed, the planks as well, and started indicating that I was poisoning my son. They also started to roll their eyes when I described my job: engineer currently working near bridges being painted = assumed lead paint. It's really a brand new bridge, for the record, so no leaded paint. They left after a 15 minute tour then promised to come back a week later to swab for leaded dust. Before they left, however, they asked me to seal the parlor up, just in case.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Their return was witnessed by my wife who saw them take a sample from the floors of the old kitchen below that old leaded lamp (since replaced - see below), the parlor, the dining room and our son's bedroom floor. They also swabbed one window sill in the dining room. The window swab was more of a proof that the lead is infiltrating into the home from the outside. The <i>sanitarian</i> proceeded to open and close the sash, then swabbed the sill.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Upon inspection when I got home that day, there's a white layer of paint underneath the horrid dark green/blue present on the sill. There was also tiny pigments of pink and sky blue. These were all in a track of peeled up tape from our weatherization routine (<a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2011/12/getting-cold.html" target="_blank">Getting Cold...</a>).</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the record, I've never tested that particular window sill for lead, just the similarly colored trim around one of the two doorways in an area most frequented by my son, the keeping room.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A week later, the swab tests came back. Any concentration of lead particulate above 40μg/sf equates to a red flag (that's 40 millionths of a gram of lead per a square foot):</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Dining Room less than 20.0 μg/sf (undetectable)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Baby Room less than 20.0 μg/sf (undetectable)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Front Entry less than 20.0 μg/sf (undetectable)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Old Kitchen 22.0 μg/sf</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Parlor 39.5 μg/sf</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Window Sill 505.0 μg/sf</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OK, we're all now freaking out! The <i>Sanitarian</i> gave us a warning. We have to wet sand all the chipped window sills and repaint them to seal any leaded paint present, simple, but a temporary solution. We'll also have to possibly replace our 250+ year old window frames and sashes should the leaded paint remain detectable after being painted over (insane and also another post to come).</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NyP9-bHgc0EAKqDIRb-a2abghB-56JS-VXzac65ypqVqqG-fUixB6fEbR5-nxFHMZ7b5v5yfg0oWFmDA4T0-KsVlxXUy-MR_itLLNaFPomsPx4MJC5UDm_4Acdg-gHKw5SExShZGcxc/s1600/Lead+Temporary+Repair.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NyP9-bHgc0EAKqDIRb-a2abghB-56JS-VXzac65ypqVqqG-fUixB6fEbR5-nxFHMZ7b5v5yfg0oWFmDA4T0-KsVlxXUy-MR_itLLNaFPomsPx4MJC5UDm_4Acdg-gHKw5SExShZGcxc/s400/Lead+Temporary+Repair.jpeg" width="298" /></a>Once these hopefully idle threats are over, I plan to strip all the trim in the house and eventually the exterior paint. <i>Please, Mr. Sanitarian, GO AWAY! Your temporary fixes are temporary and your idle threats will bankrupt us!</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We're waiting to hear back from our doctor regarding our son's latest lead test. If his numbers are very small (or hopefully nill), then we know our methods of wet moping have been successful and the <i>Sanitarian</i> can just.... go away (as politely as I can write here). </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lesson learned: Do not ask for assistance from the government. I love my son and do not wish him harm. But I've been reading and hearing horror stories form owners whom have gone bankrupt or lost all their savings after being forced to replaced windows, siding, etc. Let me deal with this on my own terms since I am obviously not wealthy enough to hire a certified lead abatement crew to abate our home entirely, nor do I qualify for a government handout. I can't even sell the home because of our knowledge of lead being present (not that I want to, mind you). I hope this temporary fix for the State will suffice and I can get on with stripping each window clean, as a cost effective permanent solution, over time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>UPDATE: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm15JcdQzdqJ8enx1uUOsXZyaQTPRtrhj5BebG2F1U8zHF1MGbDFaOHjoS001OPiIa0nyMcOZfmNO6qm8rjn0Zh5eTJgfVzakslXdmeQibQJtrrd02w9XnnGNeL_vIRqkKUtFimWd_DU/s1600/Liam+After+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm15JcdQzdqJ8enx1uUOsXZyaQTPRtrhj5BebG2F1U8zHF1MGbDFaOHjoS001OPiIa0nyMcOZfmNO6qm8rjn0Zh5eTJgfVzakslXdmeQibQJtrrd02w9XnnGNeL_vIRqkKUtFimWd_DU/s320/Liam+After+bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>My son's latest BLL results are in.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*July 3, 2013: Screening = </span><span style="color: yellow;">5.4 mg/dL</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">July 8, 2013: BLL = </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">11.0 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">July 15, 2013: BLL = </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">10.0 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">August 7, 2013: BLL = </span><span style="color: yellow; font-family: inherit;"> 9.0 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">October 14, 2013: BLL = </span><span style="color: yellow; font-family: inherit;">5.0 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">December 30, 2013: BLL = </span><span style="color: lime;">3.0 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">June 25, 2014: BLL = </span><span style="color: lime;">4.0 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">--<em>January, 2015: Int. Abatement/Remediation</em>--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*June 29, 2015: Screening = </span><span style="color: yellow;">9.5 mg/dL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">June 29, 2015: BLL = </span><span style="color: lime;">3.0 mg/dL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: lime;"><strong>December 5, 2015: BLL</strong> <strong><3.0 mg/dL (un-measureable)</strong></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Screenings are worthless.</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-17408119812630527042013-07-31T21:45:00.000-04:002014-03-06T15:51:33.833-05:00The Art of Three's<div style="text-align: justify;">
Could it be possible that the "Art of Three" is a real occurrence? Troubling events occurring in sets of three seems magical, doesn't it? I mean, really, why would it happen in three? Why not four or just two; or at all?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our home is still standing.... just wanted to get that out first. My magical three events, in increasing importance are:</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Washing Machine</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Compared to the other two issues below, who cares about a leaking washer? I care because I'm the one dishing out over $800 for a replacement.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Lupus</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXB3bP8dc8BeUlluaoCmO4CDLGactn0zPftmdhcyDtVRBz23dmDn12f193zItLPuChX3yVKXsQMxuT9zUP4iYmRkyFpWNeH8Cm_DK_REzb75C-9Z39_CPe0uwderHTleP6D0f7GqoGkA/s1600/lupus-awareness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXB3bP8dc8BeUlluaoCmO4CDLGactn0zPftmdhcyDtVRBz23dmDn12f193zItLPuChX3yVKXsQMxuT9zUP4iYmRkyFpWNeH8Cm_DK_REzb75C-9Z39_CPe0uwderHTleP6D0f7GqoGkA/s640/lupus-awareness.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While in college 8 years ago, my then girlfriend (now wife, just to be clear) discovered a rash on her hip. Being itchy, we jokingly called it her "itchies". She went to her doctor who took a biopsy. The results were inconclusive at that time. The doctor said that she was probably allergic to our clothing detergent.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past January (2013), while getting a physical for our life insurance policy, a blood test was taken. The results of the blood test saw elevated levels of protein and other abnormalities. Being concerned, my wife visited our doctor who re-ran the tests. The results were the same. The doctor wasn't too concerned but ordered a second round of tests for confirmation. With our lives busy and the doctor not concerned, we passed on the suggested round of confirmation blood tests. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Six months later, (a week before our son's first birthday) my wife started to have swelling in her legs. The swelling increased in time making it difficult to walk, not to mention uncomfortable. A visit to the doctor was made yet again. This time, because of the swelling, the on call doctor ordered a massive amount of blood tests. They tested her blood for everything... a couple days later, we received a call from the nurse, who, with direction from the doctor, sent her medical records to Hartford Hospital and instructed us to head to the emergency room.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There we sat, the three of us: a nervous mother, anxious father and impatient baby/toddler; surrounded by hacking sickly persons, dangling arms, limping idiots and a scary looking ghetto person saying to the triage nurse, "The voices in my head are telling me to hurt people". <br />
<br />
It must have been a full moon as we waited in the ER for 18 hours, seeing the above carnage yet no doctor. The city of Hartford spewed forth it's needy, all while the three of us waited for information. The hospital, in their bureaucratic logic, would not allow us to see a specialist doctor until my wife was admitted. Since the hospital had no vacancy, our 5-star resort stay was delayed, as was our meeting with the specialist. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the 24 hour mark, the three of us saw the specialist, in my wife's palatial room (it even came with the sticky floors!). The specialist is a kidney doctor with a Donald Trump attire (yes, he had a pink tie) and he asked my wife a couple of questions. Upon hearing the answers, he said that he's 95% sure she has Lupus.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, affects mainly young women (teens through twenties). Some outside environmental event, stress or virus or who knows, infects the body. The immune system attacks this virus, naturally. The virus mutates to appear as an organ. The immune system eventually kills the virus but keeps going. It attacks organs and other tissues of the body. People with Lupus do not look "sick". And every patient has different symptoms; for my wife, her immune system started attacking her kidneys and joints; which to a non-specialist would resemble two separate medical diagnosis: kidney disease and arthritis. My wife is 29, doesn't smoke or take drugs; she eats healthy and exercises. Lupus can also become more evident after pregnancy, since we're a year past our son's birth, I can only assume his birth began her slow degeneration. Despite what "Dr. House" may think, sometimes, it is just Lupus.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A kidney biopsy was completed to confirm the diagnosis as well as classify the level of Lupus she had. Two days later, she was officially diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis, Class 4. Class 5 equates to permanent scaring of the affected organ. Luckily (I suppose), we went to the ER when we did. According to the results of the biopsy, if we had blown this off as well, within six weeks, she would've needed a kidney transplant.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite the threat of needing a transplant, my wife is doing much better now but her diagnosis is for life. More about my wife's struggles with Lupus can be read on her blog: <a href="http://bitbybit-mom2be.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bit-By-Bit</a>. I encourage my readers to become aware of this disease since it seemingly affects those who are the healthiest.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Lead Poisoning</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just after the diagnosis of my wife, our son's first birthday came. Per state law, a lead screening is required. I suppose we shouldn't be shocked (yet we were) that he came back positive for lead. Despite our prior testing. the screening showed that his level was 5.4 mg/dL.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Per the EPA, normal is 0.0 to 2.0 and above a 5.0 requires attention. Above a 9.0 means the doctor is required by law to inform the state. Above 20.0, the state acts. Above 45.0, toxic drugs that damage the kidneys and liver are administered. Above 70.0, neurological damage occurs.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The screening is only a ball park estimate. A blood sample was taken from our son to conduct a full blood lead test. The results came back at 11.0 mg/dL.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are working with doctors, contractors, government programs and the bank to find and remove the lead... wherever it is. A future post will document our struggles in greater detail (updates are here: <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/08/lead-poisoning.html" target="_blank">Lead Poisoning</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope that's it...</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-85478079967978411532013-05-25T14:47:00.001-04:002013-05-25T14:47:30.286-04:00Photogenic<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can remember not too long ago, while laying in bed off of work with a pulled back, where just by chance, looking out our front windows, I saw a suspicious vehicle parked with it's driver pointing "something" at our home. A flash of light and the convertible Audi left. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk3CAf61lJg3wfv0Meo9qUL39NB1qzTYXU2sP8C7W97mgSWB23JZ8-uOBYN_vijK8xIMX29WCV9tMe2Uxbk3_tDpXhu5Tr7wyoMbdQtdFtrLM8uPE0n0KWsJFraJSXKZS_2IraPmXEPc/s1600/photogenic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk3CAf61lJg3wfv0Meo9qUL39NB1qzTYXU2sP8C7W97mgSWB23JZ8-uOBYN_vijK8xIMX29WCV9tMe2Uxbk3_tDpXhu5Tr7wyoMbdQtdFtrLM8uPE0n0KWsJFraJSXKZS_2IraPmXEPc/s640/photogenic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick photo of our tourist checking out her photos on her camera. This photo was taken through our storm window's screen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past weekend, it happened again. On her way home, my wife called to ask me to help her unload her car upon arrival. As I waited for her to pull into the driveway, I noticed a gray Toyota Camary/Honda Accord with it's hazard lights on, driving slowly up a parallel street, the same street seen in the photo above. They passed our house then stopped and rolled backward down the hill. I thought they had mechanical problems or perhaps, God fearing, their brakes had went. Yet, they stopped. The driver opened his window and snapped photos of our home. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How peculiar. This happened last spring as well, except the driver was female and her vehicle was a dark blue convertible Audi (see the photo above). These are the only two events that I've witnessed of someone photographing our home. Perhaps there were numerous other times that we are unaware of.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I find it fascinating that of all the homes on our street of 18th century origins, passersby have the want to photograph our home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I realize that I am putting a lot of information out there with this blog in regards to our home so I guess some notoriety comes with the territory assuming of course these photographers are aware of such written works of art. However, I am pleased that people find our home interesting and photogenic. A sense of pride blossoms within when events such as this occur or when a couple walking by make a comment as well. With as much stress as owning a 260+ year old home can be, having someone say, "I love your house!" is, well, awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you do happen to see an overweight man grunting while setting a field stone wall or screaming colorful four letter words after doing some idiotic task, like, I don't know, dropping 60 pounds of aluminum on his toe, feel free to say "HI" and chit-chat. Despite an angry strained face or a sudden profane outburst, I don't bite.</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-46286410503323363662013-05-12T12:46:00.000-04:002013-05-12T17:57:33.347-04:00Hartford Turnpike<div style="text-align: justify;">
Through the hundreds of documents and maps that were sifted through while researching our home, the one lingering (of many) facts there were hard to find was our home's prior addresses. It seems that addresses back in the 18th century were more of common knowledge of those that lived here. Meaning, until the advent of the postal system, a person's address was more of, "o'er yer yonder", or perhaps, "a quarter mile on the right past the ol' tree".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only potential address information I could find were street names. I obviously know what street I live on now, but asking Town Hall of prior street names was like asking my wife's cat where he hid our sock. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We searched through dozens of maps from online sources and the local libraries. Eventually, I came across a map that showed a turnpike running the route of where our street is today. The map was from the middle of the 19th century. Apparently, it was also a major thoroughfare from Hartford southward towards Middletown. The map titled the route the Hartford-Middletown Turnpike. But, it was the only map to show such a route that I've ever come across.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While at Town Hall questioning her sanity, my wife met a knowledgeable police officer who knew of a stone tablet on our street that he said depicted our street's original name. When he told her this, the snow covered land was prohibiting any such search for this tablet. Though each time we passed around that area in our cars, we did a quick look where he had suggested, but hadn't seen it. I kept imagining this marblesque horizontally laid, square placard chipped away by years of neglect, partially covered by overgrown grass, perhaps even cut in two like so many old tombstones in forgotten cemeteries. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, we found it! And, I was completely incorrect with the visual description. I must say, it is in a state of great preservation and well maintained by the owners of the contemporary home which was built near it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR20K0LxhbM4QYYbWh7LaEqiuaCiww7QsPoGx3Sjnrs1NGw1NHXvyA3t1T89-780L88DVopSwSRPV3Do_ITJQAW5WqRti_gEOUTR73ga3sZFUtWcAg13as4fwMkzqDqmNFKopUZVcrA1s/s1600/Hartford+Turnpike+6+Mile+35+Miles+to+Saybrook+Granted+1802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR20K0LxhbM4QYYbWh7LaEqiuaCiww7QsPoGx3Sjnrs1NGw1NHXvyA3t1T89-780L88DVopSwSRPV3Do_ITJQAW5WqRti_gEOUTR73ga3sZFUtWcAg13as4fwMkzqDqmNFKopUZVcrA1s/s1600/Hartford+Turnpike+6+Mile+35+Miles+to+Saybrook+Granted+1802.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hartford Turnpike, Mile 6, Runs to Saybrook, 35 Miles, Granted 1802</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This monolithic stone epitaph stands approximately three to four feet tall with a bush behind it and mulch directly surrounding it. It's located roughly a quarter mile from the border of Rocky Hill and Wethersfield on the East side of Old Main Street.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Well, there you have it, our official "Street Sign".</div>
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-43468109442823442782013-05-09T20:10:00.000-04:002013-05-09T20:10:37.607-04:00Touring My Home - Possible Addition<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past month I had the pleasure of being taken on a tour of my own home by Edward Sunderland of <a href="http://sunderlandperiodhomes.com/" target="_blank">Sunderland Period Homes</a>. Mr. Sunderland was showing me <i>my</i> home, yes, I was the tourist. Nearly every room was visited by our tour group of two as Mr. Sunderland showcased the details of each room to his pupil. And there were lots of details.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before Mr. Sunderland's arrival, my wife and I were contemplating an addition, containing a garage and new kitchen with a wrap around driveway, all in the appearance of 18th century architecture. I had received an advertisement from Sunderland Period Homes, generically, and decided to contact them for suggestions for our home. Being a full design/build firm located in Connecticut and specializing in the restoration/recreation of colonial period homes I thought who better to give us insight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the Sunderland Period Homes' website, there is a video (seen here: <a href="http://sunderlandperiodhomes.com/collect_this.html" target="_blank">Collect This</a>) hosted by MSN giving an introduction to their work. Mr. Sunderland gives a tour of some of his client's homes. It was at the end of the video that the twin hosts (literally) became a little cocky, joked and asked Mr. Sunderland about the costs of the homes which they toured. The answer was between 1 and 1.5 million dollars. After hearing that, I was fearful that this particular contractor was way out of my price range. Let alone willing to offer free advice. I figured it couldn't hurt to try.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I drew up a sketch of an idea (albeit, over-ambitious) and emailed it to Mr. Sunderland. The response I received was not what I was expecting. He personally responded and said (and I am paraphrasing) that my sketch is not historically accurate and began to dive into the why. Basically, my Ell's conceptual window fenestration was incorrect, as was the placement of the chimney.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrb4VaJQjpBDqwMRUWPGSAN502Hrb9807DjqBvUveP_0s6Ewa72zB4vSqMmGSHaSBFTGWhwuLuebbYGWKIBM5inPKhrVSKpCdFD2V0sLz9EGtz-9MMk9maBfWkc8tsfy3r0izBe2qFMI/s1600/James+Warner+House+-+Existing+Rear+Elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrb4VaJQjpBDqwMRUWPGSAN502Hrb9807DjqBvUveP_0s6Ewa72zB4vSqMmGSHaSBFTGWhwuLuebbYGWKIBM5inPKhrVSKpCdFD2V0sLz9EGtz-9MMk9maBfWkc8tsfy3r0izBe2qFMI/s640/James+Warner+House+-+Existing+Rear+Elevation.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear Existing Elevation - As Is (No Addition)<br />
Not to Scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxGGhQvU0TBqFshGgh1BrcYWfMaTYkAu8pV8a3ruOV9_Q99MmNTZl7dgiFnDJIZ6z64LfyC3FYwgnVspIbUYTaU193cFo06B1PZ8nVUNEnpOlz7DWpDT2B8H9Qn12cHc8yc5Y5gfk7K8/s1600/James+Warner+House+-+Proposed+Addition+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxGGhQvU0TBqFshGgh1BrcYWfMaTYkAu8pV8a3ruOV9_Q99MmNTZl7dgiFnDJIZ6z64LfyC3FYwgnVspIbUYTaU193cFo06B1PZ8nVUNEnpOlz7DWpDT2B8H9Qn12cHc8yc5Y5gfk7K8/s640/James+Warner+House+-+Proposed+Addition+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proposed Side Elevation of Ell Addition<br />
Not to Scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was in that same communication that he suggested a visit to our home. Why not, I thought. Perhaps he needed an idea for his next project and besides, I would love to pick his brain, a quid pro quo. We scheduled for a late Tuesday afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tuesday came. I was so excited, like a little schoolboy. We cleaned our home as best as we could in the days prior. The day of, I rushed home and eagerly awaited his arrival. I hate to make this sound like I was waiting for the President to arrive (or some hot model), we rarely "show off" our home, especially to those in the "know". He arrived exactly on time in an old Subaru that's seen a couple of construction sites. Quite different from the image one receives of a business owner who builds million dollar homes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With no delay, after introductions were made, we toured the James Warner House. The first thing I noticed was Mr. Sunderland feeling my walls. I'm not trying to be cute. He actually felt the paneling of my dining room. Seeing the bewildered look on my face, he said he was feeling for the imperfections made by the craftsmen as they planed the surface flat. Unfortunately, according to Mr. Sunderland, most homes have had their woodwork sanded flat in preparation for painting in recent years. Mine, sadly, are painted an awful green. The sanding removes the subtle groves left by the craftsmen 200 years ago, a lost character of the home. Come to think of it, it wasn't until the previous owner that the home's interior was painted. Imagine that, 250 +/- years of being unpainted, then one careless owner (or deranged interior decorator) paints nearly everything AND wallpapers whatever wasn't!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With glances around each room, Mr. Sunderland was able to tell me which details were original, or not. Thankfully, we have many original details throughout our home. One in particular which stands out is our guest room. Though our home's records date to around the middle of the 18th century, Mr. Sunderland looked at the details in our guest room and said that it is a transitional and a "newer" room, decorated in the Federal style. The molding around the windows combined with the mantle points to the Federal period. Also, the firebox seems to have been modified into a Rumford fireplace. So, although the house was built circa 1760, the guest room was later modified to the fashion of the times, perhaps closer to the 1800 to 1810 year range, in my uneducated guess.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT73lmptlEM5pCzRGjKSiCD95zNSRWCoMpufDYt3UkCaLKdLhBCnwm8xLVvMSr-LkFCADXYi69jEq7TQD4c2UOM383QlZtauRrxrAnR8PFrS3wvtC6H1gtIx29RquE0WrPjwakj8ZwCc/s1600/Guest+Room+Rumford+Fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT73lmptlEM5pCzRGjKSiCD95zNSRWCoMpufDYt3UkCaLKdLhBCnwm8xLVvMSr-LkFCADXYi69jEq7TQD4c2UOM383QlZtauRrxrAnR8PFrS3wvtC6H1gtIx29RquE0WrPjwakj8ZwCc/s640/Guest+Room+Rumford+Fireplace.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circa 1800 Rumford fireplace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3VkZF77JrzlEjbe0MTl7SYtHorxoVIKexiSr76xQtQiB56t4MRH5GWswM8jdrjo-B5afA58fTkqiLQAH8BezNPrzE8j1hO8cYlufzzaUcAZMnKDL2WgZNYYZ8BHlVGpC-Rr_9PG1-ww/s1600/Guest+Room+Rumford+Fireplace+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3VkZF77JrzlEjbe0MTl7SYtHorxoVIKexiSr76xQtQiB56t4MRH5GWswM8jdrjo-B5afA58fTkqiLQAH8BezNPrzE8j1hO8cYlufzzaUcAZMnKDL2WgZNYYZ8BHlVGpC-Rr_9PG1-ww/s640/Guest+Room+Rumford+Fireplace+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rumford fireplace, at an angle showing how shallow the revolutionary design was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fascinating... Warning, history lesson to follow:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5q2gnI4w-NjSMAlUDJdhe6U33tnG3Pq5RgKwHFkHwrmIc00vq9KDwvG4prSeSBVoQbH89N9XxkPAz4tkiXfxb8QMl4VEPXYRTjmFMz8jVBBivFDiltprMXw5dIQOde9RQ8m8KtFqzQw/s1600/Count_Rumford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5q2gnI4w-NjSMAlUDJdhe6U33tnG3Pq5RgKwHFkHwrmIc00vq9KDwvG4prSeSBVoQbH89N9XxkPAz4tkiXfxb8QMl4VEPXYRTjmFMz8jVBBivFDiltprMXw5dIQOde9RQ8m8KtFqzQw/s320/Count_Rumford.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin Thompson, a.k.a. Count Rumford <br />
(1753 - 1814)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Count Rumford (born Benjamin Thompson in 1753, in Woburn MA, Count of the Holy Roman Empire after his defection to England and deeds for the Bavarian court) was a loyalist during the beginnings of the American Revolution. He left the American colonies after the signing of the Declaration in 1776. Between 1796 and 1798, he published a new method of fireplace construction. It became widely popular throughout Europe and crossed the 'pond' quickly. Along with many homes, the Rumford fireplace was installed in our home during a Federalist period decorating endeavor. The new design lessens the depth of the firebox, making it quite shallow compared to a "regular" fireplace. The height was increased and the throat that connected the firebox to the chimney was made more narrow as well. The sides of the box were also made less square, angling towards the center. This made the fire in the fireplace closer to the center of the room producing more heat and less smoke with a better draft from the narrower throat. Better fire, more heat, no smoke, who could complain about that?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB44RiWmG2k8IFFzINfQSYKLsG0sstL2OYABphVCBrMTrWxF5X9j_RhrPRThpO55ZY2fhuUWnxyVyhcIs9Yq6JX0sbLtluEihxN9bAUzLOtp8rv7TdtcTyM3ZF0wmUNXR_o6-flviCD3E/s1600/Rumford+Diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB44RiWmG2k8IFFzINfQSYKLsG0sstL2OYABphVCBrMTrWxF5X9j_RhrPRThpO55ZY2fhuUWnxyVyhcIs9Yq6JX0sbLtluEihxN9bAUzLOtp8rv7TdtcTyM3ZF0wmUNXR_o6-flviCD3E/s1600/Rumford+Diagram.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumford_fireplace" target="_blank">Wikipedia.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Moving past all the little details, towards the end of our two and a half hour tour, Mr. Sunderland and I discussed the addition. He asked a basic question: "What do you want?" Our most simplistic answer: A larger kitchen.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We discussed modifying the galley kitchen that we have now and that really ended up simply moving cabinets around. We were still left with a galley kitchen. As we reached the rear of our home, Mr. Sunderland entered our enclosed porch and standing in the center, did a 360. "Here" he said, "I would place the kitchen right here." He added he would remove the ceiling, install beams over head, a few windows, enclose the walls, put in a foundation with decorative stone to match the rest of the house, new wide plank flooring, widen the doorway to the keeping room or remove the wall all together."<br />
<br />
Pricing was not discussed. Well, it was asked, but Mr. Sunderland was hesitant to give forth a number without researching it first. I'll have to wait and see what he'll come up with, though I fear my piggy bank isn't large enough for the level of detail that Mr. Sunderland is capable of.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNitfSJr2WQBZgAVH7ppHfTQ3yExetJ4XNn0VQEMAyMvsk6TPAE-pY-VS0TMb_rrNbWXpf4lpXx9j9XrHCIkG3_DDn3BoH3CDUG3yCP70qfdtgpSaLZct696Qc4tEBBGUnmm6kMaT6inU/s1600/Work+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNitfSJr2WQBZgAVH7ppHfTQ3yExetJ4XNn0VQEMAyMvsk6TPAE-pY-VS0TMb_rrNbWXpf4lpXx9j9XrHCIkG3_DDn3BoH3CDUG3yCP70qfdtgpSaLZct696Qc4tEBBGUnmm6kMaT6inU/s400/Work+Area.jpg" width="400" /></a>Loosing a three season porch for a new huge kitchen... we would need to weigh the pros and cons. We do love the porch as its shady and cool during the hot summer months. Though a new kitchen designed by someone who's familiar with 18th century architecture is quite enticing. Another negative, though quite minor, is that I would loose my work area. That is until I build my barn/garage.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-35080065715614369812013-04-30T20:21:00.001-04:002013-04-30T20:41:21.237-04:00Stone Wall.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I get bored. I'll start one project and become frustrated with how long it is taking to finish, switch to another and at some point in the future, return to the first project (sometimes not). So when I started to take apart one of our retaining walls, my wife gave me a scared look. Call it "deer-in-headlights".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My plan for this past Sunday was to take it easy, what with my <a href="http://confessionsofanantiquehome.blogspot.com/2013/04/brief-visitor-squished-foot.html" target="_blank">squished foot</a>. Thinking of easy tasks, I ventured into the back yard. On my way out, I passed one of our sad looking field stone walls. The previous owner, by her own volition, wanted an o'natural look to everything which basically meant a lack of property maintenance. She loved climbing ivy plants, the type that root into and damage wood and masonry. This rear entrance retaining wall was covered in ivy, so much so, that it actually hid the collapsed section of the wall. It was an eyesore. So I spent the entire day "restoring" it. My legs, back and every other muscle in my body can attest to it. There's no "taking it easy" when working with stone. I am an idiot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Before:</u><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Mound of English Ivy. You cannot tell from this photos but there's a beautiful stone wall hidden underneath.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ODVPyXvOZ6xaJmU_pptb7_U1LAzV-aEAwaAw0xY0wvStG1dZtb4KfF_ZUyfEM2J4JlEYw6SEwYRCF7kMgwfG3C02BnijKoXUE5LEG7uMJrc16LYGuOp8lWa65VNKUXxUEWdK8MuTn6c/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Before+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ODVPyXvOZ6xaJmU_pptb7_U1LAzV-aEAwaAw0xY0wvStG1dZtb4KfF_ZUyfEM2J4JlEYw6SEwYRCF7kMgwfG3C02BnijKoXUE5LEG7uMJrc16LYGuOp8lWa65VNKUXxUEWdK8MuTn6c/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Before+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmP9nKx8i_jQD-CIUFQjWpAqmlEaYBT6clq3Z0N4iP-J99W-uoJwbzn5hK5rVakiz2FSUVe32rheczrUzmYapKxwzgfaQt1nnYSejjobhhu3AvYm-GPaIp-kqzE5kwehFwdXB4qTTLRU/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmP9nKx8i_jQD-CIUFQjWpAqmlEaYBT6clq3Z0N4iP-J99W-uoJwbzn5hK5rVakiz2FSUVe32rheczrUzmYapKxwzgfaQt1nnYSejjobhhu3AvYm-GPaIp-kqzE5kwehFwdXB4qTTLRU/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Before+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaWZzj6NlSgU6cLrA5zQAwJ24RMV5LT7JJn-59nPS4R9ruqGtWnZn9WFtN06zW6PDLD4woncFLABKiCRliTaxFdekc8TUB4m-NnCb6qnfAKKHFiblZNAMSpYmUCp8AHCuZmY5VNTW2JQ/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+During+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaWZzj6NlSgU6cLrA5zQAwJ24RMV5LT7JJn-59nPS4R9ruqGtWnZn9WFtN06zW6PDLD4woncFLABKiCRliTaxFdekc8TUB4m-NnCb6qnfAKKHFiblZNAMSpYmUCp8AHCuZmY5VNTW2JQ/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+During+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I tore out as much of the rooted ivy plants as I could. In doing so, I was also removing the stones. Those ivy plants dug in deep and with the wall a bit disheveled and leaning outward, eventually, I just tore apart then entire south end of the wall.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Rebuilding:</u><br />
Bit by bit, I reorganized the pile of stones. Finding the right stone to fit the corner, or face, is not so difficult, just heavy. Basically, the larger flat sided stones are for the face of the wall and any stone that has two flat faces next to each other make a corner. All other stones are filler, either for leveling the larger back-breaking stones along the face or within the wall to add mass. Stone dust is a wonderful filler to fill the voids. It's similar to sand in that it's a fine material, however, it is more coarse and compacts nicely. In the photos, the stone dust is the grayish colored "sand". Luckily, it's the same material used to level the brick walkway. A surplus amount of it was left around the area. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkCG82aSH8lFBOMSWgscifdKY4DbrYw17Jo2X1zzEGrn0ECBKQdSaVZGByPwFdX-PvowOLvXkB5Pad3vq4UCJNPbdvq86tXVqGKmX1gkxR5x1reUWlCPdD_jR1M-ZpEdr-iW_ELiAj38/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+During+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkCG82aSH8lFBOMSWgscifdKY4DbrYw17Jo2X1zzEGrn0ECBKQdSaVZGByPwFdX-PvowOLvXkB5Pad3vq4UCJNPbdvq86tXVqGKmX1gkxR5x1reUWlCPdD_jR1M-ZpEdr-iW_ELiAj38/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+During+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Layer by layer, large flat faced stones were placed around the perimeter. Behind the large stones, smaller pebbles and rocks were stuffed in. Some stone dust was shoveled around the pebbles until the layer was flat (or as flat as came be). I hand tamped the stone dust to get it compacted and repeated this process for the next layer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnSm7TyJ0SDKQQ9Aosse11e2Qr6Sja1SIyraKk7stzFD81F6l0a0THgzSzXYmGrV0Fjf5lM-Nl8DarVl1-CKorVa5UOlE7nk-tZybVoAvFEjAGMcMzbLipfhMd1iIs0sCJPg6RQLHaKY/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnSm7TyJ0SDKQQ9Aosse11e2Qr6Sja1SIyraKk7stzFD81F6l0a0THgzSzXYmGrV0Fjf5lM-Nl8DarVl1-CKorVa5UOlE7nk-tZybVoAvFEjAGMcMzbLipfhMd1iIs0sCJPg6RQLHaKY/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Drawing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After trial and error, I eventually got the stones to fit just right. The shear weight of some of these stones made it difficult to continually place, rotate, remove, etc., especially as the wall grew in height. Now since this wall was already established, I used the bottom most rows and my eye as a guide to keep the wall straight. Though, if I were to start this wall from scratch, I would've used a reference line. Two stakes with a string tied between them makes a great guide for laying the first stones.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I ran out of the free stone dust and was about eight to twelve inches short of the walkway elevation. I used earth for the rest of the fill and it actually worked out pretty well. I threw some grass seed on top to help curb any soil erosion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>After:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJUZoMv1F4SeY2ZNLgFqtxkMKYJSwXXHhVYKA4Mmh3nHBycfslvtRU9DHAGEMyg95kov1ND8OfMMTslU7hbJIKcG_D4mTudQWTvM2SvXtDNWSb7yub7Hm8y_Wy9H4eo_y-Bk1WYbS3bk/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Final+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJUZoMv1F4SeY2ZNLgFqtxkMKYJSwXXHhVYKA4Mmh3nHBycfslvtRU9DHAGEMyg95kov1ND8OfMMTslU7hbJIKcG_D4mTudQWTvM2SvXtDNWSb7yub7Hm8y_Wy9H4eo_y-Bk1WYbS3bk/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Final+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat4eUCp_kku9HFtvsKZk01FgOImEsSSpMbUIC17cZuP6JOP3L-4DVsgf5Zdse5GkL8Z9W55PD35A3hikbYz2myggdr8UvoQ7VKR-WKAuy7js2sVGSU4NljQB57LsqNjOaZqnp-mzGhQ8/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Final+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat4eUCp_kku9HFtvsKZk01FgOImEsSSpMbUIC17cZuP6JOP3L-4DVsgf5Zdse5GkL8Z9W55PD35A3hikbYz2myggdr8UvoQ7VKR-WKAuy7js2sVGSU4NljQB57LsqNjOaZqnp-mzGhQ8/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Final+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZuL1cQLH5Ix-8b6etOEvE8PEYOZ67WhKkKOz-tBR6isTVMN7E5z4aOWT4nS2F_Gwvq3-egIHYmmvddRPKVrmNPewI5FsZyYp4twGZkxlXAjFhSM5kwSOfwwaZOILLg_Il8LYJ7llSxE/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Final+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZuL1cQLH5Ix-8b6etOEvE8PEYOZ67WhKkKOz-tBR6isTVMN7E5z4aOWT4nS2F_Gwvq3-egIHYmmvddRPKVrmNPewI5FsZyYp4twGZkxlXAjFhSM5kwSOfwwaZOILLg_Il8LYJ7llSxE/s1600/Field+Stone+Wall+Final+1.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A vast improvement to the Before images. Notice that the stones are now leaning slightly in as oppose to out, making the wall more stable.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am pleased with the outcome. It was honestly my first attempt at a field stone wall. We have another much larger wall that will need some repair in time. I would also like to install a small two to three foot high wall along the front of our property. Done correctly, it will last a lot longer than a rickety fence. I just love the strength and appearance of a stone wall, don't you?</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-27438401358894739622013-04-27T23:34:00.000-04:002013-04-27T23:34:08.861-04:00Brief Visitor, Squished Foot.<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple weekends ago, I was clearing a brush of poison ivy, a couple trees and other manly landscaping tasks when a Mercedes convertible pulls into my driveway. Normally, when that happens, the driver is lost and is making a U-turn. This driver actually got out of the car. Perhaps this person needs directions? I mentally put on my "thinking cap".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking in a rather quick pace, the driver introduces himself (and for the life of me I cannot remember his name). He's in a hurry to go somewhere but felt compelled to stop by as he saw me outside. He knew my name and said that he was from a few houses down (a home that my wife and I had visited while it was on the market at the same time as ours was). His home is an 1850's blue colored Italianate styled house. I knew it rather well. He goes on to say that he was the new owner of it and started to list what he had done recently to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am still in shock that he knew my name and cannot recount all the details of that conversation. Except one. He pointed to my roof and said that I needed to try this spray that will remove the black algae, lichen and moss that was growing on it. Bewildered by his sudden appearance and knowledge of me, I began recounting some stupid story regarding my roof, like a bumbling fool. "He knows my name, who is this guy?" I kept thinking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still in shock, he quickly leaves just as he had arrived. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I return to my manly duties, I was trying to remember what the product he was explaining was. Something about "set it and forget it", like that TV infomercial at three in the morning. My brief visitor proclaimed that the product will help remove the organic growth and save my roof. I "google-d" what I thought he was talking about in order to help me recall what he had called it. I saw the name finally and I remembered. Spray and Forget.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I wanted to take his warning of roof peril seriously, I visited my local hardware store and searched for the Spray and Forget display. There really wasn't one, but I eventually found it with an employee's help, hidden in the paint section. I saw the price and proclaimed an expletive. Around $40 for a 32 oz spray bottle that you hook to your garden hose. I suppose that if you use it, and it saves you from having to replace your roof prematurely, then $40 is a small price to pay. I purchased it with that concept in mind and ventured home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, I took out my monster Little Giant Model 26 ladder. It's a beast and weighs 54 pounds! Getting it to work just right without reading directions is like poking a stick into a bees' nest. You know you're going piss someone off... and it's probably yourself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I extended the ladder to it's max height to allow myself to reach the roof. Then, I realized that I put the ladder in the totally wrong location. Again, not reading the directions, I had to retract the ladder and pulled the side pins to condense the 54 pounds of aluminum. That's when it happened. The ladder slipped, and like a ram rod, fell on my foot. Though I was wearing boots, steel toed in fact, the ladder's pin-point mass hit just below the tongue and behind the steel toe. A couple of colorful four letters words were spoken, then I managed to hobble inside. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My loving wife procured pain killers, an ice pack, some food and water. I sat on the floor cradling my swollen foot, popped one Advil, ate and drank while holding that iced foot. I sat there for an hour until I manned up, and after watching a 5 minute video from Little Giant's website, tackled the ladder's relocation and sprayed that damn Spray and Forget roof treatment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There really is no point to this post except that I felt compelled to share my pain. I plan on reviewing the Spray and Forget later on, when it's had time to work. For now, I lay in bed, cradling my gimp foot hoping I haven't broken it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6Y74ArSkQqN4YGmy29FstjDkk_tvsDfiv-8qDBasCRTVph-Pb2Lte-oaCyCTTwT-CvOLh3zX1uTQ47uaBwJZxxhv9ucM2EuGcEL5gp29z4mewdsOOlIw-tHRDD6Yu7JRvP3k4CL9FM4/s1600/2013.04.27+Foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6Y74ArSkQqN4YGmy29FstjDkk_tvsDfiv-8qDBasCRTVph-Pb2Lte-oaCyCTTwT-CvOLh3zX1uTQ47uaBwJZxxhv9ucM2EuGcEL5gp29z4mewdsOOlIw-tHRDD6Yu7JRvP3k4CL9FM4/s1600/2013.04.27+Foot.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hairy foot, 12 hours, one ice pack and 3 Advils later, after being hit by 54 pounds of aluminum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-49175179824663637062013-04-25T22:26:00.002-04:002013-04-25T22:26:32.354-04:00Reference Book: Early Domestic Architecture of Connecticut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXNvnpi71shqDiwlK_NlFpjasA0F-cjmrvufs9xe_ikGDEAkUMR7YlxPpU3VlmoOJXGZLW4vXtppPxsQ56uqhQhlibUMc9N0bjbjackbhMwXKX-jSN6fFJ2_8ubXDbpz5VhIo1HWBV0U/s1600/Early+Domestic+Architecture+of+Connecticut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXNvnpi71shqDiwlK_NlFpjasA0F-cjmrvufs9xe_ikGDEAkUMR7YlxPpU3VlmoOJXGZLW4vXtppPxsQ56uqhQhlibUMc9N0bjbjackbhMwXKX-jSN6fFJ2_8ubXDbpz5VhIo1HWBV0U/s640/Early+Domestic+Architecture+of+Connecticut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's another exciting reference book that I've come across. <u>Early Domestic Architecture of Connecticut </u>by J. Frederick Kelly. The previous owner had left it for us in the home though I don't believe she used it much, more like she kept it around as a coffee table book. Regardless, this paperback book is an in-depth look at 17th and 18th century architecture. Written initially in 1924, with reprints in the 60's and later decades. For any true colonial home owner, this book is a must have. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Inside this wonderful collection of photos and drawings are formal descriptions similar to a thesis in language. However, getting past it's formality, the information contained herein is vast. You want to know how clapboard was made and installed or perhaps why windows were made a certain way in a home of the 1600's versus the late 1700's. Perhaps it's the interior paneling that you are seeking, or even still, the entire frame work of our homes including the different joint types. If you're a lover of these homes, the information within is thought tantalizing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As of this post, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Early-Domestic-Architecture-Connecticut-Dover/dp/0486211363/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366942496&sr=8-1&keywords=early+domestic+architecture+of+connecticut" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> is selling <u>Early Domestic Architecture of Connecticut</u> for around $23 (and qualifies for free shipping). Google books has a sampling of pages with several images, check it out <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=8fdJR9HWZqMC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-570420781116449232.post-4960037923856995942013-03-06T20:59:00.000-05:002013-03-06T21:46:18.194-05:00The Perfect Fire Starter.<div style="text-align: justify;">We've had our wood burning stove for a year now. Although I'd like to claim that I'm all knowing, I've been guessing at how to start the fire in our stove given the quick intro by the salesman as well as years of watching my father burn everything he could to start his little stove. It would take me an hour or more before it reached a temperature hot enough to actuate the on-board blower. Never realizing that I could be at fault (how could I be?) I was assuming that maybe there was a downdraft in the chimney or some other excuse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That was until I searched online for hints at starting a fire. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Generally speaking, fire needs three things to exist.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. OXYGEN.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. HEAT.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. FUEL.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seems simple enough until you follow that recipe without much to show for it. I would stick a couple of twigs, lots of old newspaper and two small logs into our stove, light the paper with a lighter and wait for one, sometimes two hours before feeling any real heat emanate from the stove. I had the heat from the lighter, the newspaper and wood bits for fuel and finally, oxygen was there as I kept the door open. It didn't make sense to me why our stove wasn't working very well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Several weeks ago, I discovered something. There are more details to this three ingredient recipe. And no, I don't mean add a gallon of gasoline, that's just insane. It's more about how everything is physically arranged and the amount of oxygen being brought into the stove that matter. It's not so much a 1:1:1 ratio. The more O2 that can be given to the fire, the stronger it burns. If you randomly stick a bunch of paper into a stove with some wood and light it, the paper will burn quickly sucking up most of the O2 and not allow the wood to catch on fire. The twigs that I used as kindling were not large enough to produce the necessary heat to ignite the larger logs. This left me with lots of smoke and no heat.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">How you arrange the kindling, the type and size of it and the stages of burn will either help you or burn you.... (yes, the pun was intended). So, after a long winded introduction, here's my secret recipe to get a large stove working quickly:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Make your own kindling. Our local grocery store sells a bundle of kindling for $6 per a pack of 16 sticks of dried wood. You already have dried wood from your wood pile. Why waste the money? Use a hatchet or an ax/maul and split the already dried wood into slivers. Each sliver should be no bigger than an inch square. They do not have to be perfectly shaped.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The night before you plan on making a fire, bring some wood from your storage pile indoors. The coldness of winter will make it harder for the log to ignite if left outside. It's core is too cold to catch fire.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Collect a few sheets of newspaper. Never use shiny, wax or plastic-like paper. Take one sheet at a time and fold it in half, then crumple it into a tube and twist it to make it as dense as possible, like a cigar.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. In a clean stove (doesn't have to be perfect), place three bits of kindling across the bottom. Place the pieces of twisted newspaper between each piece of wood kindling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0aITrcm6PL99MSj373kS2jfbx-OL1LAQ2A2XFQYcPDFqsqw39Xc3wG1rCmmcVDlzEVYEhJNt-qTYCPfjHWqpxvC2Kpo5hjUwJ_-lsVIpa_lfCIPkLDSzxxFkpLcfTmZQ8lRfr0EkwUs/s1600/Fire+Starting+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0aITrcm6PL99MSj373kS2jfbx-OL1LAQ2A2XFQYcPDFqsqw39Xc3wG1rCmmcVDlzEVYEhJNt-qTYCPfjHWqpxvC2Kpo5hjUwJ_-lsVIpa_lfCIPkLDSzxxFkpLcfTmZQ8lRfr0EkwUs/s640/Fire+Starting+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Make a second layer similar to the first with the wood rotated 90 degrees to the first layer. Place the twisted roll of newspaper in-between the kindling like the first.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGLZ7VgMwaQ8DhOCsjwm9h0BC4Yae-yZOvfx399SDIXDRA1m9NMtHUYBOS31rHK1-r_0pieNaM-__uPWpW9gspe6rdTZTqHRdqDt0iftHh_7AOlmNc5foGR0k8S-0aww_7Q_vveMZ3OM/s1600/Fire+Starting+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGLZ7VgMwaQ8DhOCsjwm9h0BC4Yae-yZOvfx399SDIXDRA1m9NMtHUYBOS31rHK1-r_0pieNaM-__uPWpW9gspe6rdTZTqHRdqDt0iftHh_7AOlmNc5foGR0k8S-0aww_7Q_vveMZ3OM/s640/Fire+Starting+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Now a third layer like the first layer. This one should be 90 degrees turned to the second layer or parallel to the first layer. No newspaper is required from here on wards. A fourth layer of kindling may be added if you have a large stove.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Pick a small split log and place on top. If there is bark on it, make sure that the bark is facing away from the kindling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Blx5pysG9HUgoI8TdLOGjL6pW4-eTcmGPA0Xr3dx2vKG5QpWw3YZREsky1PDMB3A4JsRNF93PQ_2rz_9PpNYjEdDlHxTF2GzvU8DqdA-lKwgpAxPj_4p4knDLX5K7DoioiWeX1o13C4/s1600/Fire+Starting+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Blx5pysG9HUgoI8TdLOGjL6pW4-eTcmGPA0Xr3dx2vKG5QpWw3YZREsky1PDMB3A4JsRNF93PQ_2rz_9PpNYjEdDlHxTF2GzvU8DqdA-lKwgpAxPj_4p4knDLX5K7DoioiWeX1o13C4/s640/Fire+Starting+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four layers of kindling, three sticks per layer, 12 sticks used. Cost? Pennies, if that.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Light one of the bottom twisted newspaper rolls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Slightly close the door on the stove leaving about an inch open. Make sure the damper and air control are fully opened.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONRcQ9o0RLM2TQzNjnHyklAyNDwJW8tfV472mSmMjyc9_NXBUONkB16DEZcaldz3KLogoo5QnQNTGfd9LUreqMt2tXB83uwQtAqjNRUidX_QEGd3DlTVdcscHPbyeOk6XlOrg7zSYPGU/s1600/Fire+Starting+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONRcQ9o0RLM2TQzNjnHyklAyNDwJW8tfV472mSmMjyc9_NXBUONkB16DEZcaldz3KLogoo5QnQNTGfd9LUreqMt2tXB83uwQtAqjNRUidX_QEGd3DlTVdcscHPbyeOk6XlOrg7zSYPGU/s640/Fire+Starting+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Arrow (pulled out) - Damper fully open. <br />
Bottom Arrow (pushed in) - Air control fully open</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. Wait and watch. Within a few minutes, you'll have a bonfire. With my massive stove, in less than 30 minutes, I was at operating temperature. Notice the door is slightly open.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyfIa_sXpjKBxCoUZ8BRq2ZGiELG4m4P9tirrcf39JNQIBav32cqtywVeoyEExhRpDwQe4GRYW6GFv5c4iwUYuNaw1VI1omYXrD3oW6dl2t2X41yoyIw0p25sMv0Mt8xe5oYXxNmsOvA/s1600/Fire+Starting+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyfIa_sXpjKBxCoUZ8BRq2ZGiELG4m4P9tirrcf39JNQIBav32cqtywVeoyEExhRpDwQe4GRYW6GFv5c4iwUYuNaw1VI1omYXrD3oW6dl2t2X41yoyIw0p25sMv0Mt8xe5oYXxNmsOvA/s640/Fire+Starting+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Start Time: 8:29 AM (T = 0 Minutes)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2nQvhwCoBNmCf-ElKNjN3TX33ozqiUu7uAHVq5BOF10HJodUh5NoNkdNrSuLP2KrtlRf7SRb5VxcVsrlIWvIWGeq9TBmpGX11Z9l6XYvA7QmwEVFH55s4fc_Hf2USvj6BJhBcqt8AHU/s1600/Fire+Starting+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2nQvhwCoBNmCf-ElKNjN3TX33ozqiUu7uAHVq5BOF10HJodUh5NoNkdNrSuLP2KrtlRf7SRb5VxcVsrlIWvIWGeq9TBmpGX11Z9l6XYvA7QmwEVFH55s4fc_Hf2USvj6BJhBcqt8AHU/s640/Fire+Starting+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T = 5 Minutes. Note the thermostat sensor is the gray colored plate on the bottom left of the stove.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKzIbAYTaY3yKfVgN2sO4caVzpt_Fg6AeGelc81QHMywtQ9TiWWf0qhmN7uX9ALAlJuJj6g8lU5iVjWFiJ3VlP0gDYpdaqgIuKfp2Ag7io3sqrVFvkXGvKqiM_rvBo6WVPJcEzhuV46s/s1600/Fire+Starting+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKzIbAYTaY3yKfVgN2sO4caVzpt_Fg6AeGelc81QHMywtQ9TiWWf0qhmN7uX9ALAlJuJj6g8lU5iVjWFiJ3VlP0gDYpdaqgIuKfp2Ag7io3sqrVFvkXGvKqiM_rvBo6WVPJcEzhuV46s/s640/Fire+Starting+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blower On, 8:51 AM (T = 22 Minutes)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the fire becomes established, poke and add more logs, close the door and damper Allow the fire to grow and adjust the air intake to control the fire.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now you're probably thinking, "Gee, 30 minutes to start a fire is a long time." Yes, I agree. The time is more for the thermostat controlled blower to actuate. The fire was well established after 5 minutes as the above photo attests to.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am not too keen on the thermostat for the blower. As far as I can tell, there's no adjustment for it. It turns the blower on well after the fire has established, yet stays on well after the air leaving the blower is cold. I'll have to figure that one out in time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Either way, there you have it. A sure-fire way (haha) to have a strong fire producing heat.</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15447009203532828061noreply@blogger.com0