DIY Builds
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What stops mold from spreading?

To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home. Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.

What is cheaper than bubble wrap?
What is cheaper than bubble wrap?

In general, packing paper is much cheaper than bubble wrap – 200 sheets of clean white wrapping paper sell for about $10. Newspapers and magazines....

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Can I put a toilet in my shed?
Can I put a toilet in my shed?

Yes, it is possible to have a toilet in your backyard office. It will naturally take up a bit more space, because you will have to put in a room...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Mold can cause many health effects. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. There is always some mold around. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can be brought indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and even pets. Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

If You Have Mold in Your Home

Mold can look like spots. It can be many different colors, and it can smell musty. If you see or smell mold, you should remove it. You do not need to know the type of mold. If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold can be removed from hard surfaces with household products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

If You Use Bleach to Clean up Mold

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.

Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.

Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.

If you need to clean more than 10 square feet, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, which gives advice on all building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide .

To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

Is it worth it to build a shed or buy one?
Is it worth it to build a shed or buy one?

You may pay less money per square foot to build a shed because you're saving on labor costs. Building a shed gives you more creative control and...

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What size rafters do I need for a 10 foot span?
What size rafters do I need for a 10 foot span?

As per general rules and guideline, for 10 -12 foot span, generally you need 2″×6″ size of rafter, for 15 -16 foot span, you need 2″×8″ rafter, for...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Why do you put gravel under a shed?

A gravel shed foundation acts like a basin that collects rain water under your shed. This allows the water to soak into the ground instead of running off and causing other possible issues. If you live in an urban area, your township may require you to put in a deeper stone base so that it can hold more water.

12″ Wider All Around

One important question many folks have when planning for their new shed or storage building is: “How wide should my shed foundation be?” Thankfully, it’s one question with a pretty simple answer. Your gravel shed foundation should be 12″ wider than your shed, all the way around the building. That means if your shed measures 8’x12′, your foundation should measure 10’x14′. There are good reasons for this which we’ll explain below. In cases where your shed has an extra large overhang, you may want to make your foundation big enough so that the water that runs off the roof runs onto the stone pad. Of course, you always have the option to add a gutter and downspout to control the runoff.

How can you tell if old lumber is pressure treated?
How can you tell if old lumber is pressure treated?

Chemical treatment markings typically show up as abbreviations such as Bor, FDN, or ACQ. All of these abbreviations stand for different forms of...

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How long does ash firewood need to season?
How long does ash firewood need to season?

It's always best to carefully split firewood, stack it on your firewood rack, and let it properly dry out. So how long does Ash firewood take to...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Why do more people rent instead of buying?
Why do more people rent instead of buying?

Unlike homeowners, renters have no maintenance costs or repair bills and they don't have to pay property taxes. Amenities that are generally free...

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What should I stand my shed on?
What should I stand my shed on?

Gravel is the best shed foundation, especially for portable buildings that come with a wood floor. Concrete is the ideal foundation for a garage or...

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