Choosing The Proper Building Materials
Product Selection
When starting any home repair project, it is very important to choose the proper building material. Choosing the wrong building material for your handyman project can lead to many problems with the home repair. There is no shortage of options for today’s homeowner with the growth of home improvement stores with never ending selections. The homeowner is often faced with choices regarding product selection that can be overwhelming. Using a home repair expert such, as a Handyman, can help the homeowner decide what is the correct option for the application. This article will discuss several examples regarding choosing the correct products.
Screws Over Nails
One common mistake homeowners make is choosing nails over screws. This can be a critical decision depending on the application. For example, when securing door hinges, a screw should always be used even though nails are often easy to install and require only a hammer which most homeowners have in their toolbox. Over time, nails can become loose with the movement of the door. Often when the nail begins to loosen, it is almost impossible to get reset in the door. However, if a screw is used, the homeowner can avoid this problem. Screws hold very well and rarely require maintenance. A home handyman can also provide helpful information regarding product selection.
Proper Screw Choice
After discussing how screws are the better choice for many home applications, the homeowner should understand how to choose the proper screw type. There are certain screws that are used in different ways in your home.
- Drywall Screw. This screw is used to secure drywall to the interior walls of your home. These screws are usually 1 ½ or 2” in length and are screwed in every two feet to secure the drywall. Drywall screws cannot be used outside as they will rust.
- Wood Screw. A wood screw is most often longer than other screws and has a coating to prevent rusting. These screws have a more aggressive threading to help secure the wood. Applications for wood screws include the following: door hinges, wood decking, stair railing, and any other application where a secure joint is desired.
- Timber Screws. Timber screws are typically used to attach large pieces of lumber. Timber screws are used most often in log home construction where longer screws are desired. These screws typically are driven in using a large powerful drill with a torx bit.
- Specialty Screws. These types of screws are used often in public areas. Specialty screws can help prevent theft by only turning in one direction. These screws cannot be removed without a special tool. Because of this unique feature, these screws are a great choice for areas where theft might be a concern.
- Self-Tapping Screw. A self-tapping screw is a specialty screw that has a special tip in order to penetrate the desired material. These screws are often used for aluminum and galvanized applications. Most often, a small socket is used to drive these special fasteners.
- Determining your Fastener Type. There are several ways to determine which fastener is best for your application. The first way is to visit your local hardware store. Often these stores have trained employees that can give good advice concerning your choices. The second option would be to find a local handyman service that could offer advice regarding your home repair needs and help with your fastener choice. All Things Home Handyman Columbus, Ga would love to help with you your home repair needs.