Mineral Deposit Leak

Yes, it seems like an odd title for a post, but we recently replaced a shed dormer roof, the shed flashing and the flashing around a vent pipe. The only problem was, after we did the job, the home owner complained of a leak in the vicinity of our work. We went back out to inspect the job, including the head lap, side lap, broken slate, etc. The installation appeared to be fine. Everything began to point to a leak in the cast iron pipe itself. But after measuring the leak in the dormer from the front wall, the leak was actually several feet behind the dormer and vent pipe, unrelated to the work on the dormer. First, we inspected the keyways of the slate behind the dormer. Nothing. We had to resort to pulling slate. This yielded a slate that appeared to be normal, but where the slate above it overlapped, there was a dimmed sized hole in the slate. Yikes! This slate had a mineral deposit that eventually deteriorated enough to leave a hole. It was close enough to the keyway so that during a heavy rain or wind driven rain, a leak resulted.

I guess after eighty-three years of protecting the house, a few slates are allowed to yield to their faults.

 
Pictures on left, front of Vermont Slate, right, back side of same slate.

Thomson Remodeling Wins Historic Preservation Award

Thomson Remodeling Company has been awarded a 2012 Historic Preservation Award by Baltimore Heritage.  Since 1960, Baltimore Heritage has been  Baltimore’s leading  non-profit architecture and historic preservation organization. 

Thomson Remodeling was recognized for the restoration of the exterior of 2214 E Pratt Street near Patterson Park. The project was designed by architect Virgil Bartram for the current home owners. The award wining project involved rebuilding the home’s cornice and replacing the slate roof. The cornice had been torn off at some point in the past when the house was covered with form stone. The new cornice was constructed using prefabricated moldings and lots of custom copper work. The gutter was lined with sheet copper as well as the parapet caps. A diamond pattern was incorporated to the cornice just below the parapets and pyramidal copper embellishments were installed. New Vermont Black slate was installed on the roof. This job also included masonry work and painting. There are many historic neighborhoods throughout the region. The Maryland Historic Trust continues to offer its Maryland Sustainable Communities Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program. The program offers a 20% tax credit towards certain improvements on owner occupied certified historic structures. Some of the items covered include roof repair and replacement, HVAC systems, repairing windows and doors, exterior restoration, some interior restoration and consulting and architectural fees associated with the restoration.

If you think your house could benefit from the tax credit, call us at (410) 889-7391.

Asbestos: A Toxic Danger in Older Homes

by Brian Turner

What should American homeowners do when they discover asbestos material in the home? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says, “If it is in good condition, leave it alone.” Their advice is based on the knowledge that asbestos is usually safe if it is undisturbed.
A problem occurs when asbestos materials are deteriorating or otherwise disturbed. This can be a big concern for Americans who are planning home renovations. The sanding and sawing that goes on during renovation projects are prime ways to disturb asbestos materials. This causes a release of toxic particles into the air, where they can become inhaled. Exposure to asbestos fibers has serious health consequences, including a risk for cancer.  
Asbestos in Home Construction
Asbestos is the commercial term for a group of six natural, fibrous minerals. For much of the last century, it was used in numerous consumer products such as building supplies. Although the government banned its use in 1977, the toxin continues to lurk in many homes today.
Old and brittle asbestos is often found in older homes, particularly during home renovation projects. Asbestos can live anywhere in the home: insulation, fireproofing materials, floor and ceiling tiles, roof and siding shingles and other building materials. When construction and carpentry work disturbs old asbestos, small fibers break off and escape into the air. Breathing these fibers pose health threats to contractors, carpenters, homeowners and their families.
Cancer and Other Health Risks
The risk of developing asbestos-related lung problems increases with the length of exposure and number of fibers inhaled. High levels of asbestos exposure over long periods of time can cause non-cancerous conditions such as pleurisy, asbestosis and other breathing problems.
Asbestos exposure has also been linked to lung cancer and an uncommon cancer called mesothelioma. This rare cancer usually attacks the lining of the lungs. In some cases, however, it may affect other organs in the chest cavity or abdominal cavity.
Protection and Prevention
American homeowners who plan to start home renovation projects should take care to protect themselves and their families from asbestos exposure. They can do this by avoiding renovation work in areas that have damaged asbestos materials. Sawing, sanding, scraping and drilling should also be avoided.
Rather than dusting, sweeping or vacuuming asbestos particles, they should hire an asbestos professional for cleanups. Wet mops reduce the risk of spreading airborne particles. Repairs, removal and disposal should only be handled by a professional who is trained in the proper handling of asbestos.
Homeowners can contact their local health officials or the EPA for help in finding a qualified asbestos inspector or contractor. Most states have training and certification programs for asbestos removal professionals.

Big Storage in Small Bathroom

A small space doesn't have to sacrifice storage. Custom cabinetry, flexible design and a scratch shower can turn a small space into a more functional room. 

• Custom cabinetry can be sized down to smaller rooms. Normal depth wall cabinets can be sized down to 9" or 6" to allow for functional storage. Also, open cabinets or cabinets without doors will give a more open feel. With so many choices in vessel style lavatories, vanity cabinets can be made small, while still allowing for storage beneath. 
• A scratch shower eliminates the need to rely on a factory sized shower pan. 
• Niches in shower walls create more storage space. 
• A 4" deep cabinet above the toilet can create a huge amount of storage space for toilet paper and other toiletries. 
• Heat beneath the tile can eliminate the need for radiators. 
• Larger format tile on the floor gives the room a larger feel. 

Products included in this product: Kohler Bancroft shower faucet, Ultracraft Cabinetry, Dal Tile, Air King ventilation, Pella Windows.

 Read more about a small bath project here.

Master Bathroom and Bedroom Remodel

Master Bathroom and Bedroom Remodel, a set on Flickr.

Baltimore homeowner wanted updated master bathroom, new hardwood flooring and new windows in water front home. This bathroom was reconfigured to feature a large custom shower, two vanity cabinets and separate toilet room. The shower features body sprays and custom tile work.

Read more about bathroom remodeling here. 

Guilford Master Bath

Guilford Master Bath, a set on Flickr.

Master Bathroom in Guilford undergoes renovation.