At last a topic of discussion where my passion for drumming intersects with our business. From garage bands to performing at nightclubs or recording studios, controlling and managing the sounds serves many purposes. Here we are going to briefly introduce you to the differences between sound reduction and soundproofing within the home or workplace.

How sound travels:

My 7^th grade science teacher (Mr. Glure) might be thrilled that I still recall his tuning fork demonstration which proved, in simple terms, that sound is a vibration which can be transmitted through a solid, liquid or gas. Sound travels in waves such as amplitude, frequency, period, speed and wavelength and moves quickly through solids due to their density. Walls, floor and ceilings are comprised of tightly compressed atoms which are well suited to quickly transmit sound.

Sound reduction is in fact a method to modify an existing space to minimize the amount of noise between floors, ceilings or walls. Drywall is an excellent and inexpensive material yet it is also an excellent conduit for vibration.

Luckily there are special insulations and state of the art sheet rock products on the market today that when properly installed can significantly reduce sound. These and other high-tech materials are financially within reach of most homeowners and when compared to the benefit of a good night sleep – they are a great return on investment.

Soundproofing is another animal all together. Currently homes and businesses aren’t constructed to address Little Johnny riding his bike across the hardwood floors upstairs, a neighbor blasting their 300 watt Bose speakers or that machine noise emanating from the warehouse.

To soundproof these conditions, you are looking at the complete demolition of your existing space to add double wall construction combined with the latest in soundproofing technology working in concert to absorb vibrations and unwanted sound.

The sad truth is that during home remodeling or new construction projects it would cost about 3 to 5% more to address sound issues throughout a home or business. So yes it’s possible to install hidden soundproofing into your existing space but it’s going to cost you much more than if you make the decision at the time of original construction.

Your quest for peace and quiet can be addressed in greater detail @ 1-847-636-0771, so call for a free estimate!

Tags: Chicago Handyman Tips, Indoor Handyman Services, Soundproofing by admin
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1. Species: Did you know that there are 82 individual species of hardwoods and an additional 115 subspecies? The mighty American White Oak has 10 subspecies and nearly as many as compared to the 16 individual softwoods on the planet. The vast majority of wood species used in the Midwest are: Balsa, birch, cherry, maple, white & red oak. Domestic, foreign or exotic species are generally chosen based on a specific application, climate condition or aesthetics.
2. Grade: Most trees have standardized grades within which they are rated. It’s important in custom cabinet making or finished flooring to determine a woods grade. The higher the number the clearer the woods finished appearance.
3. Cut: Plain sawn is the most common type of cut. Because growth rings are parallel to the board’s surface it results in the grainy pattern we see most often and is an extremely cost-effective way to cut. Quarter sawn is a more expensive type of cut. Achieved by slicing logs into triangular quarters resulting in perpendicular rings to the board’s face. This produces straighter gains with a more consistent coloring.
4. Pattern: In flooring we commonly see strip or plank style. But parquets in various patterns as do making intricate cuts to create borders or designs.
5. Color: Selecting the right woods for your particular application and by examining individual board color patterns for proper pre-layout will certainly achieve the finished look you were hoping for regardless of the stain you choose. But keep in mind that while darker colors look luxurious they also make a room or cabinet look smaller and show wear sooner than natural finishes.
6. Protection: It’s surprising for most of our customers to learn the high cost of floor or cabinet refinishing verses the low-cost of maintenance. The 1^st and best protection is to apply 3 coats of polyurethane to protect the wood from the elements and daily usage.
7. Cleaning: Techniques vary dependent upon the age and condition of the wood but nothing beats a soft broom sweep or terrycloth towel. Never use vacuum with a beater bar, ammonia based chemicals, oil, soaps or large amounts of water. Grease or spills should be spot cleaned with a tightly wrung out damp rag.

Typically those high traffic areas need professional attention every 6 to 12 months (depending upon usage) so give me a call @ 1-847-636-0771 to schedule a free estimate.

Tags: Chicago Handyman Tips, Flooring by admin
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It seems that nowadays everyone is getting an iPhone, and with some 70,000+ applications to download in the Apple App Store, you’re bound to find something in there for all walks of life. Digging around recently, I found an app called the “iHandy Carpenter,” which is an all-in-one package that features a bubble lever bar, plumb bob, protractor, surface level, and ruler. It may not replace your regular, analog tools, but in a pinch it may be able to help you more than an angry mid-afternoon spouse phone call, and that itself is worth the $1.99 they are charging. Check out more screenshots and info or download the app here.

Tags: Chicago Handyman Tools by Lon Thomas
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Each year, around this time, I’m reminded of the time my parents home caught fire becase of a dirty dryer vent. It’s true, and had it not been for Aunt Betty, who just happened to be visiting, the entire house would have been lost.

The fire department arrived to extinguish the blaze, and thankfully no one was hurt. Still, the washer, dryer and everything within 30 sq ft. were completely engulfed in flame.

The event remains surreal, “these things only happen to other people”, yet this entire episode could have been avoided by replacing and/or diligent cleaning the dryer vent hose.*

The fix was simple; dad replaced it with rigid metal pipe. We learned later that no matter what material is used, it’s recommended that the duct be cleaned (at minimum) annually!!

We’ve shot this video to show you how simple it is to do yourself. Obviously, call me if you need to replace the flexible plastic duct with a safer rigid material; or should you want us to clean it for you.

Finally, don’t leave your home with the dryer running and never sleep with it on.

Be safe,

Lon

* Note: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,000 clothes dryer fires occur annually. These fires account for an average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries, and more than $84.4 million in property damage.

Telltale signs of a potential problem:

• Clothes are taking longer than normal to dry
• Portions of clothing are still damp after a typical cycle
• You can see lint accumulation around the dryer door gasket
• Lint buildup is also visible inside the machine when the lint screen is removed

Tags: Indoor Handyman Services, Washers & Dryers by Lon Thomas
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Hiring the Best Handyman/Remodeler

Allow me to offer some time-honored advice when choosing a handyman service provider.

Guidelines:

• Develop a Project Specification Plan* – define the project requirements in detail. Create a budget which covers demolition, materials, labor and/or a timeline.
• Permits – when applicable, check with the city or village to determine if a permit is necessary.  If so, discuss this with each company to determine who’s responsible for pulling the permit.
• Estimates – send the project specifications along with photos showing the current condition of your project area to three service companies.
• References – ask for photos and/or detailed information specific to your project as well as a current reference list. You can also check with the BBB.
• Insurance – ask for proof of insurance to be certain it is current and that it covers the work you’re requesting.
• Contract – ensure the contract spells out exactly what is to be accomplished, what specific materials are to be used, the timeline and any warranty.

Also be sure that each company asked relevant question’s, gave you a Free Estimate and provided the most comfortable and honest assessment of what it’s going to take to achieve a successful working relationship.  After all, this is your project and it’s your vision which must be realized.

Creating a Good Project Specification Plan:

Let’s use a bathroom remodel as a sample project. Start by taking several photos of your current bathroom, you will share them later. On a piece of paper, draw the room as it is and add the measurement of each wall and the width of doors and windows as well as the placement of the toilet, sink and bath/shower stall. Don’t worry about it looking perfect; simply scratch it out and set it aside.

Design Ideas: If a friend has a bath you like, ask for photos. You should also go to the Design Magazines for new ideas. When you see something you like write down the manufacturer’s name and model numbers to share with us.

The design process is fun and something I truly enjoy. Here are a few of my favorite bathroom manufacturer links and if you want more, please give me a call:

http://trendsideas.com/?region=4

http://www.kohler.com/

http://www.americanstandard-us.com/

http://www.jadousa.com/inspirationgallery/?d=1

http://www.porcher-us.com/inspiration-gallery/

Now grab another piece of paper and rough out the placement of products as you would like them in your new bath.  Are you getting rid of that old cast iron tub and installing a walk-in shower? Will the shower also have a seat or will the space become a whirlpool tub? Will the floor be tile and if so, do you have a sample picture or measurement to share? Are we closing up that window and installing an exhaust fan? What about lighting?

Perhaps this seems a bit daunting but the point here is to keep it simple by understanding the installation process. Every contractor simply wants to know what your vision for the space is and if you have a budget for the project.

Here comes the obligatory sales pitch!

Yes! Ask Lon can assist with any project you desire and even help (as we have here) with the “homework” but the more time you spend researching the needs of your project, the more you will understand its scope.

Tags: Chicago Handyman News by Lon Thomas
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