DIY Builds
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Which side of tar paper goes down?

When laying sheets of tar paper, always lay the sticky, glossy side down. Tar paper's two sides are noticeably different. One side is somewhat sticky, though don't expect it to leave a glue-like residue on your hands. The other side is smooth like paper, and typically contains lettering and line markings.

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Place the sticky side down when laying tar paper.

Tar paper, which is a paper-like material soaked in tar, is used for building homes. Primarily used for roofs, you can also use tar paper to line exterior walls before finishing them. Tar paper always goes on the outside of buildings and its primary use is as a waterproofing agent.

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Direction

When laying sheets of tar paper, always lay the sticky, glossy side down. Tar paper's two sides are noticeably different. One side is somewhat sticky, though don't expect it to leave a glue-like residue on your hands. The other side is smooth like paper, and typically contains lettering and line markings.

Purpose

When you place the sticky side of the tar paper down, either on a roof or a wall, it helps produce a waterproof seal. On hot days, which are ideal for using tar paper, the heat from the sun will help soften the sticky side of the tar paper and melt it into place.

Laying

When laying sheets of tar paper during the construction or renovation of a building, staple the first sheet into place in the area you desire. When laying the adjacent sheet, ensure it overlaps on to the first sheet by at least two inches. Continue this overlapping method until you have covered the entire surface. Overlapping the sheets will help prevent water from seeping between the sheets.

Markings

When you lay tar paper down in the correct manner, you will notice that the non-sticky side of the paper has several markings. While some of these markings are commercial in nature, for example, the paper company's name and logo, you'll also notice a series of parallel lines. These lines are helpful for laying the shingles that you'll fasten to the top of the tar paper. Thanks to the lines, you will be able to fasten the shingles properly.

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What is the point of a Dutch door?

Originating in colonial New England, Dutch doors were a practical solution that allowed the breeze and sunlight to come into the house without letting children out or animals and pests in. Because these split doors were prominent features of Dutch Colonial homes, the association with the Dutch stuck.

When it comes to charming curb appeal, your front door can pull a lot of weight. Depending on the color, shape, size of windows, and number of panels, you can inject a lot of personality into your door so it makes a brilliant first impression. Without a doubt, the type of front door that tops the charming list? A Dutch door. A Dutch door (sometimes called a double hung or half door) is a door that’s split in half horizontally, allowing the top half to open while the bottom half stays shut. But secure the bolt to hold the two halves together and it operates like a normal door. Why is this a thing, you ask? Originating in colonial New England, Dutch doors were a practical solution that allowed the breeze and sunlight to come into the house without letting children out or animals and pests in. Because these split doors were prominent features of Dutch Colonial homes, the association with the Dutch stuck. Today, Dutch doors are still popular for their practicality as well as their old-world feel. Plus, they’re a great option for interior doors as well, allowing you to keep an eye (and ear) on children and animals while keeping them in or out of a certain part of the house (preschools figured this out a long time ago). Take a look at the eye-catching doors below, and we bet you’ll feel inspired to go Dutch too.

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