Recycling is not just for Cans

Earlier this year I was asked to replace a leaking roof on a Patio of an Investment Property.  The job consisted of Removing the existing Mound City Clay Roof Tiles from the Porch Roof and replacing with Certain Teed 3 Tab-Shingles (Energy Star Rated).

Rather than dispose of the Clay Roof Tiles in the local  landfill I choose to “Recycle” the roof tiles and am happy to report that they went to a good home and will be re-installed on future roofs by: “Old World Roofing Company Slate and Tile Specialists“

Mound City Clay Roof Tiles Recycled by Scotts Contracting

While I was at Old World Roofing Company and speaking with the business owner, Mr. Hagerty.  We discussed the aspects of his business that has his business backlogged with future projects into 2012.  I jumped at the opportunity to discuss and learn the various aspects that have made his business a success.  And was thrilled to learn that the things that have made his business a success are the same principles that I incorporate into my small business:

“Honesty and hard work, prompt customer service, keeping the customer informed of the progress on the job, and providing quality work!”

We also discussed the aspects that make the Clay Roofing tiles a Green and Sustainable product.  Clay Roofing Tiles-

• are traditionally made from locally available materials such as clay.

• Clay as a building material is one of the oldest building materials on Earth, among other ancient, naturally occurring geologic materials such as stone and organic materials like wood. Between one-half and two-thirds of the world’s population, in traditional societies as well as developed countries, still live or work in a building made with clay as an essential part of its load-bearing structure.re-posted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay#Clay_as_a_building_material

• Clay minerals are typically formed over long periods of time by the gradual chemical weathering of rocks, usually silicate-bearing, by low concentrations of carbonic acid and other diluted solvents. These solvents, usually acidic, migrate through the weathering rock after leaching through upper weathered layers. In addition to the weathering process, some clay minerals are formed by hydrothermal activity. Clay deposits may be formed in place as residual deposits in soil, but thick deposits usually are formed as the result of a secondary sedimentary deposition process after they have been eroded and transported from their original location of formation. Clay deposits are typically associated with very low energy depositional environments such as large lakes and marine deposits.re-posted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay

In keeping with the Title of the Article: “ Recycling is not just for Cans ” I’d also like to point out that recycling also saves:

“Landfill Space, Reducing the Energy to manufacture new products ie: Reducing Global Warming, and re-using building products in the construction industry will also save you money.” 

I encourage everyone to Re-use and Re-cycle!  If you are interested in recycling options on your next building project (St Louis Area) Scotts Contracting offers many options for recycling the building materials  and many times are tax deductible for added savings on your project.  Feel free to drop me a quick note by using the Contact form below and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will return your request asap.

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Green Home Renovation Tips for Fire Safety-

Green Home Renovation Tips for Fire Safety

Guest Post by: Ms Sally Davison 

When it comes to sustainable home construction and renovation, fire safety should also be a concern. Preventing fires is a green practice in itself, because fires present a serious threat to the environment in terms of emitting toxic smoke and chemicals and creating hazardous debris and waste. Firefighters also have to use a considerable amount of water to fight a fire, and this water can turn into dangerous runoff containing various chemicals.

Here are some areas of green home renovation that will make your home fire-resistant.

Insulation – Spray-foam insulation uses green products, saves energy, and resists fire. It is made from agriculturally based materials like soy and doesn’t emit toxic vapors. It creates a perfect seal with no gaps in the wall, which keeps heat from leaking out and mold from growing. The materials are fire-resistant, and the  air-tight seal keeps out oxygen that could feed a fire.

Natural Lighting – The use of natural lighting such as skylights and large windows can reduce the need for electric lighting in the day time. This saves energy and reduces the risk of something catching on fire near a hot light bulb.

Appliances – Old and poorly-maintained appliances pose a significant fire risk. Appliances that use lots of heat such as stoves, dryers, and microwaves should be in good working order. You may want to consider replacing some of your appliances with Energy Star certified ones, as these will use less energy and pose less of a fire risk.

Carpeting – Normal carpet fibers can quickly ignite from just a dropped cigarette or match. However, wool carpeting is flame retardant, difficult to ignite, and has low heat-release properties. It also emits fewer toxins and is a biodegradable, renewable resource.

Windows – Windows made with heat-reflective glass can significantly reduce the amount of heat that enters the home, which saves energy. They can also reflect up to 90 percent of the heat from a raging wildfire outside the home.

Roofing – Metal roofing made from materials such as aluminum or steel are sustainable and fire-safe. These types of materials are non-combustible and will not support a fire. They will also last a lifetime. Vegetative roof systems, which have a layer of soil and vegetation on the roof, can be fire-resistant if they are watered regularly. However, a roof with dry vegetation will actually increase the fire risk for a home.

Landscaping – Just by establishing a fire-safe landscape around your home, you will create a “green belt” to protect you from outside fires like wildfires. Remove all dead trees, shrubs, and plants at least 30 feet around your home. Eliminate low-hanging branches and shrubs growing under trees. Replace highly flammable plants and trees with fire-resistant ones like succulents, hedging roses and honeysuckles, and hardwood trees. Keep your landscape well-watered, especially during the dry season.

This article was written by Sally Davison. She owns the site Fire Science Degree Sally is an experienced EMT and loves to write various articles about health and safety.

Guest Post Provided by: Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy

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CSP-design with Heat Recovery Unit for added Energy Savings

UPDATE:  Concentrated Solar Power Design with Added Heat Recovery Unit

Seeking Assistance to bring this design to market.  

Please use Contact Form Below and

Scotty, Scotts Contracting will reply to your message ASAP.

Concentrated Solar Power with Heat Recovery Unit Designed by Scotts Contracting 11/01/2011

Updated Concentrated Solar Power Photovoltaic Design with Added Automatic Heat Recovery Unit for Dual Energy Savings

This is an update on the CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) design with Heat Recovery Unit for added Energy Savings.

Design Features:

• Parabolic Trough Focuses the Suns Rays onto the Receiver

• Photovoltaic Receiver creates Electricity and

• Energy via the Automatic Heat Recovery Unit

Notes:

• Many of the CSP designs on the Market today “create steam to generate electricity”.  This design will create electricity efficiently via Photo-voltaic Cells in the receiver; thus eliminating the need for Steam Engines.  It also generates heat to be used in the Heat Recovery Unit (twice as much usable energy for today’s home and business).

• Heat Recovery Unit incorporates an automatic air handler set by thermostat for transferring climatically controlled air movement.

• This design works exceptionally well during the winter time when the sun’s radiation is at it lowest radiation level.  Concentrated Solar Power will soon be available for non-desert regions and easily adaptable for any region.

Seeking Assistance to further Develop this CSP Design2.  Please use the Contact Form Below for additional info and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will reply ASAP.

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Repair It-Don’t Replace It-Concrete Steps

Repairing Concrete Steps instead of Replacing-Job Notes, Suggestions, and Hints.

Whether it is downturn of economy or people choosing to save money, many of my clients are choosing to “Repair rather than Replace” the materials used in the construction of their home or business.

If you decide that this type of DIY concrete repair is more than you can handle on your own.  Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in your project.  Fill in the form (provided below) and Scotty will respond asap to your request.

In the photos you can see:

1. How the prior concrete patch job had deteriorated and made the Concrete Steps a Safety Issue for the homeowner.
2. Quick and Easy Concrete Form for Repairing Concrete Walkway
3. Materials used to Repair / Resurface the Concrete Steps (Home Depot Products)
   

   Image via Wikipedia

   • Rapid Set Cement – Multi-Purpose Construction Material

   • Quikrete 1-Gallon Concrete Bonding Adhesive

   • Quikrete 1 qt. Acrylic Fortifier

   • Concrete Reinforcing-#4 Rebar- 1/2 in.
4. Tools needed to accomplish Concrete Step Repair
   • Darby
   • Hammer-Drill w/ 1/2 Concrete Bit and Flat Bit
   • Concrete Floats and Edgers
   • Screw Gun
   • Clamps
   • Wire Brush
   • Buckets
   • Broom/Brush

Before Photos of Concrete Step and Walkway Repair

Photo 1)

Before Photo of Concrete Step Repair

Photo clearly shows how the prior concrete patch had deteriorated into an unsafe and hazardous condition.

Question: Why did the prior concrete patch fail?

Answer: To the best of my knowledge whomever did the prior patch did not use:

1) Surface Bonding agent and

2) Concrete Additive to form a tight bond against the elements and use

3) Prior to patching the area may not have been cleaned which allowed the patch to work loose in time

Photo 2)

Before Walkway Repair

Photo 3)

Concrete Form for Repairing Concrete Walkway

Inexpensive Concrete Form used to repair edge of Concrete Walkway.

1) Concrete Form consisting of 2- 1×4 or 1×6 Screwed together and clamped to edge of Walkway

Photo 4)

View #2 Edge View for Concrete Form for Repairing Edge of Concrete Walkway

Edge View of Concrete poured into the Concrete Form used to repair edge of Walkway

Note: Before concrete was poured into the form it is suggested by the manufacture to:

1) Clean Area completely of any substances that will inhibit the new concretes adhesion properties.

2) After cleaning and prepping area: Apply a surface bonding agent (Concrete Glue) to the area with an old paint brush; carefully working the Adhesive into all cracks and crevices.

Photo 5)

Repaired Concrete Step

Notes:

Photo 6)

Close Up of Repaired Concrete Step

Notes: Notice how the Fast Dry Cement Patch is drying ( white areas compared to grey area )

Broom finish used for traction on the steps and the finished texture

Photo 7)

View #2 After Repair

This photo was included to point out the transition between the Step and Landing zone.  The area was filled with concrete to inhibit future seep-age of water from entering the area and further deteriorating the Foundation of the Home.

Hints and Suggestions:

1. To increase the life expectancy of this concrete patch and increase the adhesive properties.  (A)An acrylic bonding agent ____ was used in the mixture of Concrete and Water. (B) Surface Bonding Agent applied to clean surfaces before patch was installed.   The working time for the patch will be under 15 mins.  Only mix enough patch to work small areas ( 1/4 of a 5 Gal Bucket at a time )
2. When repairing steps if at all possible start at the top step and work down
3. Clean Hand Trowels often to remove adhesive from the Acrylic Agent for a smooth finish that can later be worked into the finished texture (Broom Finish or Swirl Finish)

If you decide that this type of DIY concrete repair is more than you can handle on your own.  Scotts Contracting is available to assist you in your project.  Fill in the form (provided below) and Scotty will respond asap to your request.

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