Buildipedia Staff

Buildipedia Staff

The Buildipedia research and writing staff consists of dozens of experienced professionals from many sectors of the industry, including architects, designers, contractors, and engineers.

Website URL: http://buildipedia.com/

Fri Apr 09 2010 12:00am

Maintenance Tips: Dryers

Dryers remove moisture by blowing hot air over wet, tumbling clothes. The hot, moisture-laden air is exhausted outside the home through a dryer vent duct. According to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, which was prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average life expectancy of a clothes dryer (gas or electric) is 13 years. Dryers are a fairly simple appliance with a long life expectancy as compared to other appliances, but present both personal and property hazards. Timely dryer maintenance will reduce potential problems and ensure it is functioning as excepted.

Bathroom vanities are comprised of a base or furniture cabinet, a countertop mounted to the top of the cabinet, a sink, a faucet, and a drain stop assembly located at the bottom of the sink which allows water to drain or be collected. Maintaining each component can be overwhelming, given that there are several different styles, manufacturers, and types of materials used. However, there are only a few components that require regular inspection and/or maintenance to ensure proper function.

Tue Mar 02 2010 8:00am

Maintenance Tips: Toilets

When you consider the lifespan of most fixtures and appliances around the home, toilets rank near the top. According to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components which was prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), "Toilets have an unlimited lifespan, but the components inside the toilet tank do require some maintenance."

Thu Apr 29 2010 12:00am

Maintenance Tips: Whirlpool Tubs

According to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, which was prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average life expectancy of a whirlpool tub is 20-50 years (number based on the fixture itself, not the circulation system). The life expectancy of the circulation system (the pump, fittings, and piping) will vary depending on the amount of use. A whirlpool tub should be maintained like any other bathtub or shower, with one exception: what you don't see. A whirlpool tub's circulation system isn't readily visible, providing a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria.

Thu Jun 10 2010 12:00am

Maintenance Tips: Bathroom Floors

We typically install flooring in our bathrooms that is best suited for wet areas, like ceramic tile, natural stone, or resilient (linoleum or vinyl) flooring. While these types of materials are durable and hold up better against water than a wood floor might, they are still susceptible to moisture damage. Performing routine, preventative, and material specific maintenance will keep your bathroom floor looking new for years to come.

Tue Jan 12 2010 8:00am

Countertops 101

If you have walked through your local home improvement store's showroom lately, you have probably noticed how many countertop options are available. Whether you are interested in durability and low maintenance or are in search of design flexibility, there is a material for you. Prior to making a purchase, you should be aware of each material's unique attributes to ensure that it will meet your needs.

Remnants of dirt, debris, and soap that are not rinsed down the drain can harden on the surface of a bathtub or shower, forming a residue. Limiting the amount of residue is important because mildew often grows in areas where residue is not properly removed. Also, areas that are prone to water infiltration should be regularly inspected and repaired as necessary.

Moisture in a bathroom can lead to peeling finishes, warped doors, and even mold. The purpose of a bathroom exhaust fan is to control moisture and remove airborne odors and pollutants. While maintenance of bathroom exhaust fans is quite often overlooked, a proper maintenance schedule will ensure quiet and efficient operation, increase the fan's lifespan, improve indoor air quality, and keep the unit attractive in appearance.

Sun Nov 22 2009 11:56pm

ESPCs: Lakeland Community College

Energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) are an excellent alternative for financing capital improvements to a campus’ mechanical and electrical infrastructure, if certain conditions exist. The contracts are typically awarded to an energy services company (ESCO) that can offer the most efficient new equipment installation within a predetermined payback period.

 

Tue Nov 10 2009 4:51pm

Hocking College Energy Institute

In the first episode of this series, the Go Green channel tours one of the nation's newest research facilities for green energy education and development. Dean Jerry Hutton introduces some of the Hocking College Energy Institute's many alternative energy programs and sustainable design features. DesignGroup architect Jack Hedge explains how the building functions as an open and modular laboratory.

 

Copyright © 2012 Buildipedia.com™ | All Rights Reserved
Site Designed by Kinopicz American