Maverick Real Estate

Archive for the ‘Terrain Construction’ Category

Multi-housing property owners hate to replace stairs more than any other type of repair, but they won’t devote proper maintenance to stairways until it is too late.

The average lifespan for present day materials, in the best of conditions, before major repair is necessary, is around 10 years, and 7 years for unfavorable conditions. It is not uncommon for the same stairs to be replaced as many as 3 times in a 20-year period. The repairing and replacing of all types of ageing and damaged exterior stair cases constructed of several types of material, or a combination of materials, is an ongoing expenditure.

Stairways need renovating for a number of reasons, the most important being that the materials themselves become failed products after exterior application utilized in stair treads. The primary reason for material failure of metal, concrete on metal pans, concrete, or wood is the natural elements. Fluctuation of temperature, moisture in the air, salt air, humidity, or lack of sunlight for drying out moisture represents a few of the natural elements contributing to early deterioration.

Another reason for this material failure is man-made chemicals used as protection from cold, ice, or snow. There is no protection against these chemicals, and their excessive use, for the usual materials. There are several types of ‘wonder sealers’ in the marketplace used as a protective coating, but none are adequately effective, especially when stair maintenance is insufficient.

Stair maintenance, such as seasonal prepping and pre-protection, is always neglected. Attending to exterior stair maintenance by property staff is generally non-existent, until it is too late. And, stairway replacement is usually put off until the situation is desperate.

Many times, the materials used in the initial construction of a property was the wrong one to use in that particular location, and it would be very costly to use the same materials in the current use of the property. An example of this would be solid concrete on a hilly terrain that now has mature landscaping. To install the same product would legislate a greater expenditure because, more than likely, you probably would not be able to get vehicles capable of carrying the weight of prefab concrete stairs, or concrete trucks, to each individual location without damaging the landscaping. This, of course, would add more expense. And it might be impossible to even get the vehicles to the location. Pumping concrete in to the site may not be feasible for this same reason.

A wheelbarrow may have to be used if the terrain is bad, or the landscaping is mature. Using this method, you can’t reproduce a complete 13-step stairway, demolish and rebuild, in a timeframe that will not inconvenience tenants for more than a day. The more time spent, the more your cost. The time frame to replace the treads in almost all cases cannot exceed eight hours. Most tenants, whether multi-housing apartments, commercial, or industrial cannot be deprived for more than an 8-hour period.

The demolition of the existing stairs, including the complete stairway and stringers, handrails, and steps will normally take 8 to 12 hours for a complete demolition. The same time frame would apply in removing just the existing steps, their support brackets (usually necessary), along with repairing damage to the stringers, sanding, spot welding, scraping off top rust, prime painting the areas, then add new brackets, and install and level step. Owners tend to try to get by with doing just the step replacement to save time and expense.

Metal stringers and handrails, with attentive repair and upkeep, such as painting regularly, and removing rust while it is still superficial will last for several years. The discrepancy between the longevity of the stringers, as opposed to the steps, is the fact that the stringers don’t hold water and other moisture as long, they don’t normally get chemicals sprayed on them, and they don’t get the traffic or weight abuse.

The use of wood above one flight is prohibited by most new building codes. And, most new codes will not grandfather it in any longer. Wood stringers, even treated wood, due to the elements, and any over spray from chemicals, etc, ages out faster than metal or concrete.

Surprisingly, concrete stringers deteriorate the fastest. The elements, traffic, weight burden, and chemicals break up the composite of the material, and thus greatly lower the integrity of the design, and reduce its strength. Concrete, once it starts separating, decomposes rapidly, and will break with a minimum of stress or strain. Due to this, there have been many more accidents from concrete stairs than either wood or metal.

The cost factor of replacing staircases has even led to the mix up four kinds of materials on the same 13-step stairway. This is certainly not aesthetically pleasing to potential tenants or buyers. If the inspector doesn’t make you replace them, he will make you vacate all the upper floors until they are repaired to code. And then there is the insurance adjuster. If there is a fall, and the stairway condition is the cause, the insurance company won’t pay, you will pay.

Due to all the problems mentioned, clients are begging for anything that will increase life span, decrease maintenance, and improve on the safety issue of exterior stairs. Much research and the consulting of numerous experts went into finding an answer.

Fiberglass seemed to be an ideal material. And, although there are fiberglass steps available, none of them meet the present building codes for multi-level housing or commercial bids. Each state, and even each county, may have variance on these codes; however, they are all similar and workable with a new revolutionary product called ReplacementSteps.

ReplacementSteps are designed to meet the following criteria:

1.Increase the life span of the steps by significant improvement on premature aging relative to the natural elements, including lack of sunlight, and improving resistance to necessary chemical use. 2.Provide and improve on the physical strength requirements to meet codes. (lbs. per sq. ft. tensile strength) 3.Provide and improve on the design to meet and conform to other code requirements such as height-width-depth-safety, and load strength. 4.Reduce needed maintenance and repairs. 5.Reduce the time and labor in stairway replacement and new construction projects. 6.Create a product that can be easily transported and installed at the most difficult site. 7.Create a product that is aesthetically pleasing

After a few years, and at considerable expense, Replacementsteps was created to be the most feasible alternative to the current outdated modes utilized in the renovation or construction of exterior stairs. It is the only product of its kind that attends to the above considerations in a complete manner. This will be the intelligent product of choice for stairway construction in the coming years. It offers tremendous value to current multi-housing property owners, and to those considering the construction of new properties. Multi-housing developers, renovators, builders, engineers, architects, and property managers should take note. For more detail, visit http://www.replacementsteps.com

The US Army offers exciting and rewarding career openings for heavy construction equipment operators with relevant skills and experience. The key duties of heavy construction equipment operators in the US military are to operate various machineries such as crawler and wheeled tractors with dozer attachments, scoop loader, motorized grader and towed or self propelled scraper. The job requires skills to interpret information on grade stakes. In the course of their duties, these operators would clear grubs, strips, fill material with scrapers, make excavations and load different material using a loader. They would also be expected to spread material evenly and level out ground, construct a v ditch using a grader, lift and move steel and other heavy building materials using winches, cranes, and hoists, and dig holes and trenches using power shovels. Other common tasks include the transportation of heavy material and construction equipment using tractor and trailer to provide assistance during engineering missions under combat conditions.

Heavy equipment operators in the army would also be called upon to construct berms, excavate side slopes with a crawler tractor, perform grading and finish side slopes mixing stabilizing material with soil and surface and drainage maintenance. The physical demands for the initial award of MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) are extremely high. A physical profile conforming to 222221 as per US Army standards is essential. It is also a critical criterion that the incumbent should not be colorblind.

To qualify for a job as a heavy equipment operator in the US army, a minimum score of 90 in the aptitude area, GM is expected. A valid state motor vehicle operator license is also a prerequisite. The induction provided to a new recruit in this position consists of nine weeks of Basic Training and four to twelve weeks of AIT (Advanced Individual Training) in Missouri. The training period for different construction equipment differs and the length of the initial training would depend on the equipment to be operated on the first assignment. Seven weeks of training is also provided on how to operate and perform general operator level maintenance to 5-ton dump trucks, M 915 tractor with semi trailer, dozer, grader, scraper and scoop loader. After successful completion of the course, there may be further training for operation of other equipment depending on the requirements of the duties to be assigned in the place of posting.

The Initial Entry Training or the IET is essentially intended to transform a civilian into a technically and tactically competent soldier and to inculcate in him the values of the US army. This process is a tough and comprehensive process, which requires complete dedication on the part of the trainee to completely transform in accordance with the requirements of a distinguished military career. In the initial phase of training, together with familiarizing the trainee with the goals and values of a military career, focus is also placed on the development of the individual basic combat skills and physical fitness.

The second phase of training for a heavy equipment operator is called the GUNFIGHTER phase and as the name suggests, it focuses on weaponry training. These fairly long and intensive training processes culminate in the making of a competent combatant with special skills as a heavy equipment operator.

The pay and benefits for a heavy equipment operator are as per US Army standards for soldiers. On completion of military service, there exist scores of opportunities for being employed in the civilian sector also.

There are limitless numbers of shapes and forms that decks can assume. The choice of deck shapes will often be determined by:

1. the terrain and landscaping that exists within the property lines

2. the proximity of neighbors

3. the dramatic view that are available

4. the proposed uses that the deck will serve

Deck shapes can be broken down into several simple categories:

1. Ground level decks – These structures are typically associated with single story homes and relatively flat yards. They present far fewer design and contruction challenges than raised or multilevel decks. Ground level decks can act as convenient entryways, pleasant breakfast nooks and outdoor mudrooms. Construction is not complicated. Since these decks are so low they may not necessarily require a railing system. It is wise though to check local building codes to verify this. An interesting design technique is to construct several ground level decks close together to create a cascading effect down a slope. Altering the decking patterns on adjoining deck spaces can enhance the look of this choice. Ground level decks can be supported by traditional post and pier foundations, by concrete slabs or by continuous footings. Cantilevering the beam and joist members beyond the posts or footings can create the illusion that the deck is floating.

2. Raised Decks – These outdoor structures provide access to upper level rooms and can also become solutions to landscape problems caused by steep terrain. Slopes that fall sharply away from a home presnt special deck building and design challenges. The simplest solution is to construct a single level deck attached to the house and supported by piers and posts. With elevated decks safety concerns are an important consideration. The height of railings and space between balusters are of major importance on these higher deck structures.

3. Multilevel decks – These deck designs are wonderful for avoiding the problems caused by rolling terrain or naturally terraced landscapes. Sections of these types of decks can be different shapes and sizes that are connected by stairs and walkways. Muiltilevel decks are ideal for providing different views of the surrounding area from various vantage points. These decks are complex and require precise planning and careful construction. Stairs, railings and all structural components must work together correctly. Multilevel decks can also be utilized to create an easy, smooth transition from the ground to the upper level of a home with a flat yard. Instead of one long stairway a series of platforms could be constructed to lead to the upper elevation.

4. Wraparound decks – These structures are built along more than one side of a home and can easily provide access to multiple areas of the house. Wraparound decks are a perfect solution for properties that are subject to varying amounts of intense sunlight during different parts of the day. These unique outdoor spaces also provide simple solutions for families needing areas for private gatherings, parties and other functions on the same structure.

5. Detached decks – These outdoor deck designs are perfect for serving as a quiet retreat and can be built on flat ground or a sloping surface. They are easily integrated into a garden area or a grove or cluster of trees. Detached decks can be built alongside or project slightly over the deck of a pool, next to a water feature or sit beneath an arbor or pergola. Container plants, shrubs and colorful flowers can be used to dramatically enhance the impact they make on any outdoor landscape.

The creative design process concerning deck shapes is an interesting but challenging one where individual homeowners look to create the ultimate outdoor living spaces best suited to meeting the needs and tastes of their families.