Elite Siding Cooling

Repairing Stucco Holes

Stucco is an aesthetic finish and is also known for its resiliency and flexibility. Although it can survive at any given climate and weather conditions, it is more suited as a siding choice for hot and dry climates. This is because stucco finishes do not do well enough with climates that give excessive moisture and precipitation. However, stucco is not just for exterior walls; interior stucco finishes are a great option and solution for more durable and aesthetic walls, and can also be used to cover up deteriorating plaster walls. With that being said, we can say that stucco finishes are surely low-maintenance. But just like any other household materials, it can also wear down through time, so household owners should not be surprised if they any damage from time to time.

These damages, specifically holes, must and should be repaired as soon as possible as they pose potential problems in the future. It can grow bigger and let water get behind the wall, causing damage to your walls. Sure, stucco damages are such a hassle to deal with, but there are ways to repair it.

What Causes Stucco to have Holes?

Stucco holes are notorious for causing bigger problems and damages. It is very common due to cracks caused by the natural soil movement and expansion that happens in the ground due to temperature. It can also happen for some other reasons, such as:

1. Stucco getting old
2. The foundation and settling of the house was too weak
3. Uneven stucco layers
4. Did not install weep screed, which allows the moisture to escape the wall above the foundation
5. The stucco layer that is applied was too thin 

Tips on How to Repair your Stucco Holes

Repairing your stucco holes is relatively easy. By doing it, you should first consider some aspects. Stucco finish hole repairs will always depend on its depth, the length, and the cause of the hole. If the hole is just too small to be noticed or just less than ¼ inches, then it will be relatively easy for you to repair. This kind of hole repair is best done if you are going to paint the wall after the repair. Nevertheless, you must quickly remove all of the caulk that surrounds the hole. If you want to get the best results, painting the repaired area is always recommended.

Here are some tips for caulking your holed stucco:

• Always remember to apply the caulk in the morning. The sun causes concrete to expand, making the holes relatively smaller than at night.
• Apply caulk generously. Do not be afraid of putting caulk around and inside the hole as you can easily clean it afterward.
• Once the caulk is applied, you can always use your fingers to spread the caulk evenly. Make sure that the caulk reaches all of the hole’s edges.
• Once you applied all the caulk the hole needed, let it dry. If it shrank during the curing process, apply more. 
• Once it is dry, it is now ready for painting.

Stucco provides a solid and good looking covering to the exterior of your home. But, there may come a time that you need to make some changes in your house that may require you to cut your stucco wall. 

There are a few different processes to cut through the stucco. Being familiar with different tools, blades, and equipment will help to properly cut through all kinds of stucco plaster. 

The right tools

There are a few different tools you can use to cut through the stucco wall. One of the main tools is a diamond blade or a carbide-tipped blade. These tools make a clean cut through the stucco. Firstly, you must choose the saw that is perfect for your needs. 

What You’ll Need

There are a few different tools you can use to cut stucco. You can use a diamond blade or a carbide-tipped blade in order to make a clean cut through the stucco. Firstly, choose the saw that’s best for your needs:Circular saw – good for cutting a large area

Angle grinder – great for virtually all purposes

Oscillating tool- good for smaller cuts and detailed work

Power drill with a hole saw attachment -great for cutting circular holes

After identifying the best saw for your project, you’ll need these tools on hand as well:

• Painter’s tape 

• Work gloves

• Shop-vac 

• Respirator 

• Safety goggles 

• A helper 

Step 1: Set up the work area 

Before you begin cutting, prepare the area where you will be working to maximize efficiency and avoid accidents. 

You can place painter’s tape around the perimeter of the hole you’re going to be cutting. Since stucco is prone to chips and cracks, taping off the perimeter will help lessen the possibility that you damage the good stucco in the vicinity area as you work.

Step 2: Prepare the shop vacuum 

Cutting through Stucco results in so much dust in the area that could sometimes blur you while working. Having a helper and a shop vacuum can help to manage the dust, making it easier to see your work. It is also important for you and your helper to wear respirators to protect you both from breathing any airborne dust particles. 

You should also make sure that your shop vacuum is totally clean. Otherwise, your vacuum will be ineffective in pulling the dust from your workplace as it will just spit it all out on the other side of the vacuum. 

Step 3: Cutting the Stucco 

When you are ready for the actual cutting, it is also important to know what you need to do depending on the kind of say you’re using. 

Circular Saw

Circular saw is perfect when cutting larger sections. It doesn’t work well with small cuts that required detailed work.

Make sure you are wearing the proper protective gear like safety goggles and gloves for safety before cutting the walls. 

Push the blade guard back of your circular saw and turn it on. Before starting to cut, wait until it reaches full RPM. Finally, make your first cut with the circular saw. Work slowly and carefully to lessen the change of chipping or cracking the stucco. Continue until you’ve reached the edge of where you are cutting and repeat the process if necessary. 

Angle Grinder

An angle grinder is powerful enough to cut large surfaces and is also useful in smaller cuts as well.

Allow your angle grinder to reach its full RPM as you switch it on. Plunge the blade into the surface of what you’re cutting. 

Oscillating Tool

An oscillating tool is a good choice for smaller cuts and detailed work. Just keep in mind that the blades tend to clog as you work.

Switch the oscillating tool, turn the tool on and allow it to reach full RPM. Then,  slowly plunge the blade into the stucco. 

Using a Hole Saw

A power drill with a hole saw bit is best for a circular hole. Load the bit into your drill and tighten it in place. Switch the trigger and allow it to reach full RPM before beginning your cut.

Having your air conditioner turn on and off is both worrisome and annoying. If it does so, it probably means that your AC system is short-cycling. This could be happening due to a dirty, inefficient, broken parts, and other mechanical or electronic reasons. Short-cycling refers to the instance on which your AC system turns of voluntarily and then turns on again after a short time. 

This can negatively affect both the owner and the air conditioner unit itself. It takes a lot of power to turn your AC on, and imagine how much power would it cost if it turns on repeatedly in a short time. Also, all the mechanisms that work to turn your air conditioner on would be paying more wear and tear than it should have if your AC turned on just once for a long cycle. 

Here are the most probable reasons why your AC turns on and off right away:

Dirty Air Filter

Having a dirty air filter is one of the main causes of having a list of AC malfunctions. What makes it the cause of almost every AC malfunction is that when it gets dirty, the airflow gets restricted which will then result in more complicated problems. With that said, it can cause your air conditioner to turn on and off repeatedly. 

The best way to resolve this is by cleaning your air filter regularly to avoid getting it dirty or replacing your air filter regularly, especially when it’s already dirty. By doing one of these, you can avoid paying more expenses due to the results of having a dirty air filter. 

Refrigerant Leak

Having a refrigerant leak might mean that your AC is too low in the refrigerant. The refrigerant is the one to cycle throughout the system to absorb heat and cool down the air inside your home. 

If this happens, the compressor will shut down due to low pressure. By shutting down its pressure will rise to cause it to turn on again. This makes the short-cycling occur that will cause huge wear and tear in your system, making more problems to your air conditioner unit. 

The best way to resolve this is to call the HVAC professionals since refrigerant leaks can be dangerous. 

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If your AC’s airflow has issues or has refrigerant leaks, there’s a high chance that your evaporator coils are freezing. If this happens, your outside AC unit or the entire AC system will shut down until the ice melts and turn on again. 

The best way to resolve this is to check if you have the first two probable reasons mentioned above and resolve them to avoid having frozen evaporator coils. 

Thermostat Placement

The thermostat is the one to measure the temperature of the air around it and determine whether to turn your AC on or off. If you placed it near a window, a room that’s hotter than anywhere else, or near an air vent, then It wouldn’t have an accurate measurement of the temperature of your room. This can then cause your AC to turn on and off repeatedly. 

The best way to resolve this is to reposition your thermostat to a more centralized area. 

Electrical Problems

Short-cycling may also occur due to electrical problems. This can be because of an issue with the supply line or broken capacitor. It can also be caused by the thermostat, electrical connections in the system, or on the circuit boards.

The best way to resolve this is to call a professional electrician because resolving it on your own is dangerous even if you know about it. 

These are the most common reasons that may be causing your air condition system to turn on and off right away. Remember, if you solve these all by yourself, you may cause harm to yourself and to your AC which may cause you to pay more expenses than if you just consult it to a professional. In case this happens, make sure to call a professional HVAC technician right away.

 

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Your air-conditioner might break down at the most impractical moment. It might be a quick fix you can do yourself and wouldn’t need to call a professional for help. How would you know? Well, the most common problem with unexpected air-conditioner malfunction is the capacitor.

 The capacitor gives the motor, compressor, blower, and other parts a boost when starting up and continues supplying power to keep them running. It is a tiny, cylindrical object inside. To know if your problem is a bad capacitor, here are some questions for you.

• Is it emitting humming sounds?
• Does it take a long time to startup?
•  Is it not turning on?
• Does it shut off on its own?
• Is it not blowing cold air?

If most of your answer is yes, then most likely, your problem is a bad capacitor. You might want to check if your air-conditioner is still under warranty if you don’t want to take care of it yourself. If you think you can do it, you only need some tools available in your house.

 Inspect your air-conditioner. Unplug it or turn the breaker off, then remove the service panel. Look for a misshapen capacitor. When you found it, take note of some things.

• The type of capacitor may vary. It might be a start capacitor or run capacitor. The former is for giving some components a boost to start running, so it only works when you turn on the system initially, while the latter still operates with the system on. Take note if it is a capacitor for the fan, compressor, or others.
• The voltage rating that matches your unit is critical to the system. The capacitor will have the voltage range capacity printed on the side of its canister. You can also find it in your owner’s manual if you have trouble locating it. 
• Another thing of importance is the capacitance value. It is measured in micro Farads, often expressed as μF or MDF. You must find one that matches your system. A start capacitor will have 70μF to 200μF or higher, while a run capacitor typically has 1.5μF to 100μF.
• You also have to take note of your capacitor’s shape. Some might be cylindrical, while others are oval. Purchase a new one that matches the old one in your system.

To find the best capacitor for your air conditioner, here are some places you might consider looking for.

Local Contractor Supply Store

You may check out your local contractor supply store to find some capacitors. Most of the time, they will have many kinds of capacitors, and you only need to specifically ask for the one you need. If they don’t or they are out of supply, there are other places to check.

Online Stores

 Try looking online. There are many trustworthy and honest HVAC retail stores on the net. You may also check eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, or others. Many resellers would offer various types of capacitors so be careful to choose the one that suits your system.

It will be easy for you to find the best capacitor if you know what you are looking for. Make sure you buy the right one or if you need more help, ask your HVAC contractor.

A service plan contracted by your trusted HVAC contractor helps relieve you some of your worries and assures you that your HVAC will be well-maintained, especially your air-conditioning unit and furnace. It will assure you that your unit is running at its best and will not break down anytime soon. It will assure you that even at worst days, nights, and weathers, your HVAC system will still give you the utmost comfort that you and your family need. Regular inspections, check-ups, and tune-ups shall always take place. Here are some essential services your units need for it to run at maximum efficiency.

Electrical Components

Some problems that you might encounter may come from your unit’s electrical components. Check the capacitors, fuse, wires, and breakers that may occasionally break down. Also, try to take care of your motor by applying oil inside it from time to time.

Air Filter

One of the parts of your unit that will greatly affect your air quality is the air filters. They get dirty every once in a while, so make sure that you always check them at least once or twice a month. Filters may vary from different models, so it is better to consult your HVAC contractor whether it only needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Evaporator Coil

The air filter helps and protects your evaporator coil from accumulating too much dirt, but it can eventually still get dirty. It is very important to always check and clean your evaporator coil, as dirt build-up might hinder its ability to absorb heat effectively. Sometimes, ice can also build up here if there is a leak. For that matter, it is best to call your HVAC contractor as you may need chemicals for the task.

Condenser Coil

This is the most exposed part of the unit, as this is the outside part of your air conditioner. Always check it from time to time and make sure that it is free of debris, grass, dirt, and other stuff that can block this part. Make sure that the air can easily run through it.

Refrigerant Level

If you have an annual HVAC check-up contract with your contractor, they should regularly check the amount of refrigerant your unit has. As time goes by with frequent usage, your unit’s refrigerant level will eventually decrease. With this, your unit may fail to make the air cooler. Your HVAC contractor should recharge this so that it will be able to cool the air again.

Chimneys and Vents

To assure you that your HVAC system, the air conditioner, and furnace, is working properly, you should always check the chimneys and the vents. Many homeowners overlook the importance of this, but it is an essential step in making your HVAC running smoothly.

Ductwork

With proper ductwork installation on your unit, the air will flow smoothly and properly. Make sure that the junctions and insulations are placed appropriately. With the help of a good HVAC contractor, leaks, check-ups, and diagnostics of ductworks will be easily addressed.

If you want to be assured that your HVAC system will run smoothly all the time, it is best to book for a service and maintenance contract with your trusted contractor.

Technology made some impressive advancements for the comfort of the people. Homeowners these days often use remote controllers to turn on and use their appliances; this includes their air-conditioners and setting them to the right temperature. In this way, they can finish the task faster and easier; this also makes people more efficient.

However, when temperatures are rising, the last thing you want is to lose the remote of your air-conditioner! Your most beloved unit will only annoy you or give you a headache. You probably misplaced and cannot find it, but it is also possible that it stopped working altogether. Take a deep breath, calm down, and do not panic; you can still operate it manually, and that is the back-up plan. 

Try checking your owner’s manual because there is useful information in there, like its brand, unit, design, etc. You may even find the answer to your problem there. However, many people don’t really like keeping those, so here are some tips to help you how.

1. Check the Thermostat

 Most of the time, a power button is here to allow you to turn your unit on or off. You can also make adjustments to temperature, timers, etc. in here. Just be careful of the buttons and make sure you know what you are doing.

2. Check the Sides of the Unit

 Other air-conditioners have their switch on the bottom right side of the product, so search this part of the unit if you have trouble looking for the power button.

3. Open the Front Grille

 Most split-type air-conditioners have their switch hidden by the front grille, so you would have to lift it to have access to the button. 

4. Reset your Air-conditioner

 If your unit has a timer and you can’t turn it on again after it shuts down, you can try resetting it. All you have to do is to turn off your appliance first, then go to your circuit breaker. Shut it off, then wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on. 

5. Try Using Mobile Apps

The latest air-conditioners can connect to Wi-Fi, which means you can control it by connecting it to your smartphone. Just visit Google Play and search for some apps related to air-conditioners, examples are AnyMote – Smart Remote Control, IR Universal Remote, AirTouch, Tado Smart AC Controller, and many others. 

 The tips stated above should be enough to help you with your problem. You may also try replacing your remote when you can. However, if these did not work, then this might be a sign that your missing remote controller is not the only problem with your unit. 

 Many other factors may be contributing as to why you cannot turn on your unit. If you suspect that something is wrong, don’t hesitate to call a professional to help you. 

 Still, the most important thing is to maintain your air-conditioner and take care of the things that come with it. Just don’t lose your remote controller again!

In maintaining the comfort of your homes, your air-conditioner is the most essential. It is responsible for making the air breathable, and free of dust particles, impurities, and smoke. You probably need it the most during summer, or when the air outside is too hot, so naturally, you wouldn’t want your unit to malfunction at that time. To prevent that, you have to make sure it is always in its best condition. To do that, you have to have an air-conditioner service regularly. 

How Often

 If you want to make sure your air conditioner is working perfectly, you can check it out yourself. Make sure that its parts are working without obstructions like dirt or debris. Replace or clean your air filter every 30 days. To make sure you are doing things properly, consult your owner’s manual.

 The frequency of service will depend on your air-conditioner unit, model, and brand, but an annual check-up, tune-up, and inspection, is the least you can do. If you want a licensed expert to do this for you, you may contact your HVAC contractor to inquire. If you are unsure, you may call several companies to ask for estimates.

 Usually, they will offer annual services which will cost about $100 to $300, with additional costs if some part of your unit has to be specifically repaired or replaced. A company’s annual service might differ from others. Be sure to choose one that includes inspections, cleanings, and minor repairs. You may also ask for other offers and plans for services that you might want. Of course, prices will vary because of this, but it will save you more money compared to paying for emergency repairs.

How Important

Like what others say, “Prevention is better than cure,” it is recommended to take actions and prevent problems with your unit than be shocked and face the consequence of not doing that. 

 Many problems with your air conditioner might be discovered before it becomes too much, through inspection. Due to that, your technician will only need to do minor repairs most of the time. You won’t have to pay additional fees needed for major repairs and replacements. 

 If you continue to maintain your air-conditioner, you will avoid losing its efficiency. According to experts, most units lost 5% of this every year. With taking care of your air-conditioner, you will get back 95% of that! It will work for 15 years, at most, but it might still last longer than that.

Maintaining your unit will also mean that it won’t break down as often as others which are not taken care of. You will be sure that it will be there when you need it the most, especially at times when the environment is humid. 

You should put the regular services for your unit in your priorities if you want to save time, money, and effort. 

A service of at least annually will greatly preserve the performance of your air-conditioner. Don’t hesitate to contact your HVAC contractor to make plans. 

With an ongoing heat wave, your roof, awning, and the frame of your house are not enough to withstand the punishing heat of the sun. While this is not likely the first thing that comes to mind when the summer season starts, you will find that roof maintenance and home improvement projects in general are times when even the tiniest leaks or crevices are able to cause damage to your home’s structure.

Instead of taking the risk of hiring a professional company to help you install or replace your siding, it is best to do the work yourself so that you are not spending money on hiring someone else to deal with this issue. In order to prevent the mildew, mold, or warping from the cold air, you can either utilize a siding and sealant system or you can install a traditional roof insulation.

The cool breezes that breeze in from the ocean can lead to excess humidity and condensation inside your home. Condensation causes the roof to leak, thus causing large amounts of damage to the house. If you have serious siding problems, the condensation can lead to mold and mildew growth that can also ruin the integrity of your siding.

In order to combat this problem, you need to take the necessary steps to prevent the cool breezes from damaging your roof. The first thing that you need to do is clean and vent the roof. Use an electrical blower to remove any old debris, dirt, and insects from the roof.

You should always remember to fix a damaged roof before attempting to repair a problem in other areas of your house. It is very common for roofs to split and burst in the middle during the winter months, making it necessary to repair the entire roof to allow for more proper ventilation. Once the roof has been repaired, you can protect the siding from the cold by using a siding and sealant system.

Before attempting to repair the problem in other areas of your house, it is a good idea to make sure that all areas of the house are properly insulated. Not only will you save money on heating and cooling bills, but the overall structure of your house will be protected from the effects of extreme weather conditions.

It is important to realize that there are many types of roofing systems that can be used on your roof. Those who live in the northern regions of the country will find that they are able to use asphalt shingles, while those who live in the southern parts of the country can choose between shingles, asphalt, wood shakes, and metal shakes. No matter what type of siding you are considering, you need to make sure that you are properly insulated before installing your siding.

As you start to approach the hot summer months, your home may already have severe siding issues. If you find that your siding has already begun to mold or rot, then it is recommended that you install a siding and sealant system.

This is a great investment in order to prevent the damage of permanent damage to your home and to the siding in the long term benefit of your finances. The cost of this system is relatively low, and with proper installation, your siding will be more than a match for any type of weather.

While the cost of a sealing and siding system can seem like an extra expense to you, it is well worth the money if you do not want to end up with a large amount of expensive repairs to your roof. Because the costs of cleaning and repairing your roof can be so costly, you need to make sure that you have invested the right amount of money in order to protect your home against damage.

There are many different types of roofing systems and materials to choose from, and you should consider all of them before making a final decision. If you do not have enough information about the different types of materials that you can use, then it would be best to consult a professional in order to avoid the risk of having an inferior product installed on your roof.

Cooling systems and siding materials are some of the most expensive types of home improvements that homeowners need to consider. It is extremely wise to invest in these two materials as they are needed to protect your home from severe damage.